In my post yesterday looking at betting odds for the date of the next general election, I hinted that a change of government could be a positive step for civil liberties campaigners.

I’ve now stumbled across this excellent piece from the ever impressive James Graham. He questions where the Conservatives will go with Human Rights if elected, following some comments from Shadow Home Secretary Dominic Grieve seemingly differentiating between those “deserving” and “undeserving” in society. As James also points out, they might not be that hot on civil liberties either, calling for extra surveillance powers for police.

Delving a little deeper, their policy to scrap ID cards still appears to be valid, but what will the money saved be spent on?

We will scrap the ID cards scheme, and use some of the savings to build more prison places, provide more drug rehabilitation for those in custody and create a dedicated Border Police Force.

Extra spying powers for police, more prison places, a dedicated border police force… suddenly the promise to scrap ID cards isn’t looking as rosy…

So, would a change of government be a positive step for civil liberties? Or a false dawn?

Much could depend on whether the Liberal Democrats hold the balance of power. Then in addition to scrapping ID cards, we may see more of their policy paper “Security and Liberty in a Globalised World” implemented.

If a general election is called this year, be sure to delve deep in to what each party is really promising on civil liberties. Over the next few weeks we’ll be doing just that - watch this space.