Counter-Terrorism Measures: The Balance between National Security and Civil Liberties in the UK and France ?Has the Pendulum Swung Too Far, To the Detriment of Civil Liberties??

On 2 October 2001, after the attack of 11 September, Prime Minister Tony Blair stated at the Labour conference Here in this country and in other nations around the world, laws will be changed, not to deny basic liberties but to prevent their abuse and protect the most basic liberty of all freedom from terror. The Home Secretary at the time, Jack Straw, also said that extensive measures were needed since by its nature terrorism is designed to strike at the heart of our democratic values. It has been argued, however, that Draconian anti-terrorist laws have a far greater impact on human rights then they ever will on crime. Both have been victims of major terrorist attacks and have responded to the threat in several ways. This paper examines current anti-terrorist measures and whether they conflict with, or present a challenge to human rights. It will explore the most effective ways in which governments can control terrorism whilst maintaining democratic freedoms. Finally, a discussion of whether current anti-terrorism laws strike the right balance between protecting individual liberty and safeguarding national security will conclude by identifying some steps that could be taken to protect individual liberty.