Jack Straw plays "what if?"

Mr Justice himself has been typing away for Comment is Free, on the thorny issue of civil liberties.

He points out a few happy developments, such as the extension of the Human Rights Act to "public authorities" (his quotation marks, his lack of real explanation); the gift of the Freedom of Information Act to lucky journalists; and the Disability Discrimination Act.

He also admits to a worrying secret love:

A personal obsession of mine since the early 90s, we have established the Office of National Statistics on a basis wholly independent of government.

It is "little noticed" indeed, Jack, despite its great work.

The comments have already started:

Is this a joke Jack? If so it's a bit sick.

Only this government could pen a piece about individual liberties without mentioning the ID card and the explosion in surveillance cameras. False orthodoxy? That's Whitehall speak for 'the public are morons'.

You are taking the piss right? Because the idea that you believe this crap is too, too scary.

Well done CiF people! Just sit back and watch the page views come rolling in...