ocal MP Justin Tomlinson writes on the subject of the shooting in France of staff from the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo (SA 16 Jan).

He informs us that members of Parliament gathered in Westminster Hall to show their solidarity with France and their support for free speech.

The same consideration was not shown towards the 35 Yemeni police officers who died on the same day, in all probability killed by members of the same group which attacked Charlie Hebdo.

As a postscript to his column Justin refers to his support of further surveillance measures against suspected terrorists – a matter for which he and any government would receive full support.

However, Justin is being a little economical with his comment as he knows the issue with the proposal for greater surveillance is that it is drafted in such a way as to allow the authorities to apply surveillance to anyone and everyone.

Politicians have demonstrated their desire to restrict liberty in order to achieve what is claimed to be a gain in security – and it is not necessarily the wrong choice to make.

It can be right to give up some liberties in order to diminish our chances of being the victim of a terrorist bomb.

In this respect we accept that it is reasonable to allow the authorities to search our bags before we board a plane.

The trouble for the Government as it seeks to enlist support for its new schemes – to enable officials to monitor your use of the internet, for example – is that the debate has been poisoned by blatantly unnecessary extensions of surveillance powers.

It is now almost impossible for any measure that will increase state power to be introduced without people thinking that it is part of a vast conspiracy by the Government to turn Britain into a version of Orwell’s Big Brother state.

The question to be asked is whether or not extra powers will result in the citizens of this country having any greater security, safety or liberty.

I think the answer is a resounding no and it is disingenuous of Government to suggest otherwise.

To give up liberty in the vain hope that the State will provide safety is misguided – the purpose behind the Government’s drive for increased surveillance is to acquire ever greater powers Des Morgan Caraway Drive, Swindon