Sir
Benedict Birnberg is correct in seeing the similarity between my proposed new right to engage in peaceful activity and our traditional common law (letters 2nd October). One of the earliest advocates of this kind of liberty was John Locke; and of course JS Mill famously stated that "the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self protection."

Unfortunately our common law liberties only exist to the extent that they have not already been eroded by Parliament. Now that the production of legislation is accelerating - there have been, for instance, around 85 crime and criminal justice measures passed by Parliament in the last 20 years - our civil liberties need greater protection. We need the Human Rights Act to be extended and we need to begin to draft a new Bill of Rights.

Yours
John Wadham
Director
Liberty
21 Tabard Street
London SE1 4LA