I think a police state could easily become a reality. But I suspect that it will arrive purely due to the gradual introduction of more and more surveillance and the eroding of civil liberties, until the point where the future we dread has arrived, under our very noses.

In Europe (and particularly in the UK), street cameras at practically every corner in the towns and cities are a way of life.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m not against being protected in such a fashion, or that such devices could be used to track criminals etc.

My concern (and I believe it to be a valid one) is this issue of governments using fear tactics to pass new surveillance bills and laws, and using the terror threat as justification for this and for that, when there is not always a connection at all.

Do we need protection from outside threats? Yes. Do our streets need to be safe? Yes. But does the entire population need to be watched and surveyed at every given moment? No. But we will be unless we stand up as a united front.

I know too that in the UK much of the new planned surveillance drone project is not aimed at criminals; rather it’s aimed at people taking part in “organized protests” and what some perceive as “anti-social activity.”

This “anti-social activity” includes taking part in legitimate protest targeted at Government policies.

Frankly, I should be able to voice my concerns in a public forum about a government policy I disagree with, and all without a remotely piloted UFO hovering over me using facial recognition technology (which I know the UK Police are now testing) to see who I am.

You are correct, however, that people like Redhead (who does hold a high position) are recognizing this problem, and if we all do likewise, things may pull through.

I guess we will see…!

I wouldn’t say this worries me as such in terms of me personally worrying or panicking.

Rather, the public apathy and complacency to such things makes me very, very angry. Worry isn’t so much the issue.

As for not appearing on every street corner, I would beg to differ. Indeed, I would refer you to this:

And this (note the comments from Ian Redhead - who is a very senior UK police source, and so who knows what he is talking about - who, eerily enough, also makes an “every street corner” comment, but from a very different perspective to yours):

http://www.express.co.uk/news/view/7613