In reaction to the the publication of the Civil Contingencies Bill today, Liberty's Director Shami Chakrabarti said:

"The government has taken a step in the right direction. Their initial proposals were quite terrifying. But these present proposals remain worrisome. There needs to absolute clarity about the definition of an emergency. Sweeping, draconian powers should not be exercised unless there is a serious and immediate threat to life and limb. Whenever the authorities try and vote themselves greater powers, there is a need to be cautious and sceptical. By reinstating the courts' powers to consider human right abuses under these laws, the government has made an important concession. I very much hope that further compromises will be possible when the Bill is debated in Parliament."