Published: Thursday, 11th December, 2008 9:00am

Rob Wilson's Westminster Diary

by Rob Wilson MP

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OVER the past 11 years we have been through the New Labour 'modernisation' of Parliament.

Thank goodness the Queen is still allowed to come to Parliament and open each new session, it remains an amazing spectacle. I was fortunate enough to be near the bar of the House of Lords. She sparkled as much as her Imperial Crown and the 24 carat gold leaf that surrounded her as she addressed us.

I'm disappointed people like Alastair Campbell get to write her speech nowadays, because it can be more political than most would like, but fortunately you can usually tell when the Queen doesn't like what she has to say!

One of the lesser-known Parliamentary events is the prorogation ceremony, closing a parliamentary session, and if anyone can't get into the State Opening, it's well worth a visit.

It is one of the few places you will hear Norman French being spoken by the Clerks of the House and the Lords wear full regalia. I went for the first time on November 26 and I enjoyed the spectacle.

It is a great shame that our interfering busybody of a Government has done away with the role of Lord Chancellor in the Lords.

Still there is small recompense, the delight of seeing Jack Straw (now Lord Chancellor in the House of Commons) crawling backwards away from the Queen after handing over her speech! Not good for a Republican!

It reminds me of when John Prescott, as Deputy Prime Minister, let it be known he would not bow to the Queen.

There was much newspaper debate, which Her Majesty obviously saw. Prescott waited his turn in the line-up, the Queen spoke quietly, ensuring he bent forward to hear - making it appear he was bowing. John Prescott's no match for the Queen!

But this Government's tinkering with the constitution and the rights of Parliament is a serious issue as the Damian Green affair has shown. Previously, I could guarantee my constituents their correspondence with me was absolutely secure. I can no longer give that assurance.

The rights and freedoms of an MP (ie parliamentary privilege) are there to protect their constituents' rights and freedoms. I am in Parliament to represent my constituents without fear or favour.

But now it is apparently acceptable for the police to enter Parliament without the required paperwork, confiscate computers, telephones and documents.

They have apparently trawled through the Parliamentary computer hard drive that contains all the email and paper correspondence I have had with my constituents. Nothing like this has happened in modern times and it is nothing less than a direct assault on the freedom of our entire country.

Still, nobody should be surprised. Only last week I warned that bailiffs now have the right to enter your home by smashing a window or door.

Soon it will be possible to repossess your home simply because you may have a fairly small credit card debt.

You can now be arrested for all manner of things under terrorist legislation which was never intended for such a purpose. Only at the 11th hour did the Government back away from 42 days detention without arrest or charge.

Our unelected Prime Minister also appears extremely reluctant to go before any electorate (even his own Party).

A pattern appears to be emerging with this Government that is draconian and dangerous.

Anyone who believes in freedom and democracy might wish to stand up for it now before it's too late!