This is the first time such repres sive measures have been taken in the absence of cross-party or public consensus. Operating outside of such a consensus poses real dangers for wider British government on "law and order' and
But there is also a pornbility that measures will succeed Already, despite the official Labour opposition to the measures, "civil libertarians' such as Kevin MeNamara have responded by proposing altemative repressive measures instead. The framework for the discussion is already moving to the right.
The broadest possible campaign must he built in defence of hamc democratic rights: to defend silence in the courts and to break the silence in the media. Every op portunity to challenge and high light the measures munt be taken. International campaigns are essential as they were in response to intemment, Bloody Sunday and the hunger strikes.
Broadcasters must be encouraged to challenge the han. Banned videos and republican speakers must be offered a platform everywhere. A campaign must be waged in the lahour movement against its leadership's servility to the British rule of law"whether in Belfast.