Today Compass has launched a debate and consultation on the counter terrorism bill. We’re delighted that both Jacqui Smith the Home Secretary and Shami Chakrabarti Director of human rights group Liberty have set out the arguments both for and against the government’s proposals on the Compass website at www.compassonline.org.uk. The articles are complimented with a consultation which will run until Friday 15 February.

Take part in the consultation and speak out on the proposals

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has told the Sunday Times that she wouldn't walk the streets of Hackney, an area with a burgeoning LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) population, at night. Ironically, fellow Home Office Minister, Meg Hillier is the MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch.

Asked by the newspaper if she would walk alone in Hackney Ms Smith replied: "Well, no, but I don't think I'd have ever have done."

More at http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-6612.html 

What I have found in the last week, is everyone moaning and groaning about Gordon brown. Does anyone else like Gordon Brown?

What I definitely like about him so far, is that his government seems more democratic. First of all, he's letting protesters outside Parliament. Second, unlike Blair, he doesn't seem to try and take control of a situation. When there were terrorist plots, Blair sometime tried to make himself look like he was solving the problem, by introducing anti-terror laws. Gordon brown is sitting back, and letting Jacqui Smith speak out about the situation (who I have grown to like, as she's more 'I'll look after your children', whereas Reid seemed to be more like 'Lock up your daughters'). They are not reacting by introducing more anti-terror laws, they are taking a more cautious approach. I'm liking Brown's style of government.

Chief whip Jacqui Smith is seeking the power to suspend MPs from the Labour Party. Ms Smith, who took over from Hilary Armstrong in the post-local election reshuffle, seems determined to take control of rebel backbenchers in a move that could block the reselection of "the usual suspects".