Context:
Democracy works after Starmer resigns?
Passage of fast-tracked bill took place Tuesday afternoon London time in the Lords. Legislation got passed around 8:30pm.
I think it needs to go back to House of Commons next two weeks or so (to be confirmed).
What the Bill Does: Once it achieves Royal Assent, the bill will grant the Home Secretary new powers to “designate” organizations acting as proxies for hostile foreign states, making it a criminal offence (punishable by up to 14 years in prison) to support or materially benefit them.
The Core Objective: The National Security (State Threats) Bill was fast-tracked through all its House of Commons and House of Lords within the past two weeks.
Why Critics Were Alarmed: Before amendments, it gave the Home Secretary broad powers to ban groups linked to hostile foreign states (like Russia, Iran, or China), yet concentrated too much power in the executive branch of government.
After 5pm …some amendments were allowed to protect the press and humanitarian activity.
I’m not sure whether the amendments repaired all the key concerns. Stay tuned for Hansard readout tomorrow morning….and new version of the bill.
This happened today, Tuesday, or possibly earlier:
https://x.com/thecradlemedia/status/2071870341543088138?s=46
the UK nanny state needs to stop meddling
https://x.com/johnnyjmils/status/2071656330402594913?s=46
Follow along the debate:
https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/da03e433-ad7c-4285-9c8a-c6b48598ee6a
Weird bit:
Lord Garnier likened China to an underwater crocodile seeking to eat the legs and head of the UK.
(Updates short story to show the bill passed and that the democratic process improved after it appeared the ruling Labour Party would not accept any amendments.)
