Articles
The surveillance super state
14 September 2009
Big Brother under New Labour just got worse – much worse. From next month, all those who come into regular contact with children or the elderly, either through work or through volunteering, will have to undergo a rigorous check up by the Independent Safeguarding Authority. They will need to be vetted for past criminal convictions, disciplinary actions or unsuitable behaviour in order to maintain contact with children – or face a hefty fine. And many will have to pay up to £100 for the privilege.
In effect, this monstrously intrusive legislation makes the assumption that a quarter of us are potential paedophiles until we choose to prove otherwise. If we don’t sign up to this new database, we will be unable to work with children or vulnerable adults and they in turn will feel unable to trust us. In addition, it will become the biggest database of its kind in the world holding sensitive details for over 11 million people. In view of recent scandals involving data loss, can we really trust such a behemoth and those who administer it?
The ISA says on its website that the scheme is designed to ‘help prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults.’ They have in mind the Soham case where Ian Huntley was able to work as a school caretaker, despite previous allegations of sexual misconduct. Certainly the case of the Soham girls was a tragedy which shocked the nation. But this scheme is the proverbial sledgehammer cracking a nut. In any case, vulnerable children are far more likely to suffer abuse in their own homes at the hands of unsuitable parents and step-parents, none of whom will be subject to these checks.
While there should be some investigative checks for those working full time with children, it is absurd that this should apply to part time volunteers, governors or school ‘visitors.’ Among those in the latter category are authors, such as Philip Pullman. He has already pledged to stop giving readings in schools in protest at the scheme, one which he rightly describes as 'corrosive to healthy social interaction.' There is little doubt that he will be followed by others who are equally incensed by the relentless march of loony officialdom. The net result will be fewer volunteers and youth workers reaching out to younger people at a time when this is so vital.
In sum, this is yet another monstrous intrusion from New Labour’s Big Brother state. George Orwell would be turning in his grave.
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