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Nigel Kennedy signs up to Davis's freedom rally
Anne McElvoy16 Jun 2008
Violinist Nigel Kennedy and former British Army colonel Tim Collins are set to support David Davis's campaign against the Government's 42-day detention plans as the former shadow home secretary today reveals details of his "carnival of freedom".
Mr Davis told the Standard he hoped to attract figures from across the political spectrum as he fights a by-election in his Haltemprice and Howden constituency after resigning as an MP in protest at the Government's narrow victory on the legislation.
"This isn't just going to have Westminster beltway people supporting it," he said. "Our aim is to make this into a street event, not just a narrow political one."
Kennedy met Mr Davis on the BBC's Andrew Marr show yesterday and told him he would be happy to visit Mr Davis's Yorkshire constituency and play in support of his bid to repeal the extension of detention without trial for terror suspects.
"We have been talking about getting together and making a bit of music on this issue of people being locked in a Paddington police cell who have done nothing wrong," the violinist said.
Kennedy may headline an event in Haltemprice in the next few weeks, bringing together political, cultural and media critics of the Bill. Mr Davis confirmed that his team would be contacting other prominent critics of the anti-terror measures, including Rory Bremner. Sources at the Davis campaign confirmed veteran Labour MP Tony Benn had pledged to speak in support in a by-election rally if Labour failed to field a candidate against him. Left-wing singer Billy Bragg is also thought to be being sounded out for his support. "No one is out of bounds," said a campaign worker. "This transcends party politics."
The attempts by Mr Davis to lure Labour figures onto his election trail creates a headache for government strategistswho have so far dismissed his actions as a "stunt". If the party fails to field a candidate against him, Labour MPs would not be in defiance of the Whip in expressing support for Mr Davis.
Reader views (9)
As a life-long Labour voter, I have watched with mounting horror, as Blair and Brown took away liberty. One piece at a time.
The UK does not need a latter-day Stalin, yes, Mr Brown, that does mean you!
It`s time we reclaimed our freedoms. Mr Davis, my cheque is in the post.
- Simon Dewolf, London, UK, 17/06/2008 10:43
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Thank God someone's finally noticed. Time to rein in our politicians and remind them that they're meant to be serving us, not controlling us.
- Lynn, Buckinghamshire, 17/06/2008 10:17
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There are some dumb people who oppose the 42 day detention they don't even understand what it involves. No coincidence either that Nigel Kennedy has a new album out today. Another self publicist gorging at the media trough, just like that loser Davies and you all fall for it with your pompous talk about civil liberties.
- Ricky, Coventry, 17/06/2008 01:43
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Yes, I to would like to sign up.
- Noel Coleman, Carlisle, England, 16/06/2008 22:53
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At last, I have been woken from over a decade of inertia. Where do I send the cheque?
- Colette Hill, London, Uk, 16/06/2008 21:11
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Brown chickened out of an election in the Autumn (when he had a chance of actually winning!), he dodged a referendum (in which his own head would not have been on the block), and it now looks as if he will duck out of a bye-election. The man is a born loser by any measure of the term. What is worse he makes the country appear a loser.
- Sandy, Ealing, London, 16/06/2008 17:46
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I pledged my support and money last week because it is not just about the 42-day shambles, it is a bill designed to frighten us into propping up a defunct government. We are voting for freedom from the creeping intrusion into our lives.
- Albert Hall, Hove England, 16/06/2008 17:38
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Where can I sign up?
- Watervole, Twickenham, 16/06/2008 16:35
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Everyday you have to wonder just how stupid Gordon Brown really is. Now we learn that if he refuses to fight an election (as he usually does - fearing democracy) then Labour MPs have free reign to support our hero Davis. If, on the other hand, he now has to give in and field a Labour candidate then he will be humiliated. Again.
- Mikko Takala, Drumnadrochit, Scotland, 16/06/2008 14:04
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