erm… the Criminal Justice bill, and offences in it, were bought in to stamp down and eradicate illegal raves and gatherings – maybe more for that than restricting protests.

Also, as you briefly mention but really skim over, the recent increase in police powers and subsequent misuse of them, are because of Labour’s authoritarian attitude and control-freak home secretaries. The Tory’s are, unfortunately, just applying what Labour bought in – with public approval – to, ahem, combat terrorism…

I see this as the Lb Dems last chance to show that they can have some sort of positive influence in the coalition. If they cannot implement such a fundamental part of Liberal ideology, then it will show that they are virtually a passenger in the coalition…