Lynne Featherstone

Big annual social at my house. There is a huge turnout because our guest speaker is Shami Chakrabarti from Liberty. She is a complete star - comes early - stays late and entirely captivates the audience who are natural territory for Liberty. Many of my members are her members - and I think she recruits quite a few more by the end of play. Why does Shami work so well? I think it is because she hasn't sold out to anyone. She really does fight for right and justice - and in a non-partisan way. And it’s interesting hearing her talk about the difference between coming to this event and similar ones organised by other parties!She can reach beyond the TV screen or radio direct into people's lives because the language she uses and the pictures she paints with her words pull on people's instincts and conscience.In the current climate of authoritarian governance there is a pressing need for all voices of freedom and human rights to rise up together as Labour continues its juggernaut assault on our civil liberties. Every Bill that I come across removes our rights and increases the power of the state. These are frightening times.