Emergency State: How We Lost Our Freedoms in the Pandemic and Why it Matters

The Secret Barrister is a powerful and important book that tells the story of the state of emergency that was declared in 2020 and the laws that were passed to restrict freedoms more than any other law in history. It is a wake-up call from one of the UK's leading human rights barristers, and shows us why we must never take our rights for granted.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

The Secret Barrister: Astonishing, Authoritative, Thoughtful, and Terrifying in Equal Measure

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a new law on March 26, 2020, which had a profound impact on the lives of tens of millions of people worldwide. In just eleven pages, this law locked down individuals, confined them to their homes, banned social interactions, shuttered businesses, gyms, pubs, places of worship, and significantly restricted personal freedoms. Justified by the rapid spread of a deadly new virus, this law went into effect immediately after being signed, without any meaningful debate in Parliament.

What may have been expected, however, was a fierce and extensive discussion about the implications of this law. Surprisingly, it was not debated at all. Instead, a state of emergency was declared, which meant that the law came into force as soon as it was signed. This state of emergency was initially intended to be temporary, but it lasted for an astonishing 763 days. During this period, ministers had the authority to introduce over 100 new laws that further restricted freedoms, surpassing any previous laws in history. These laws were enacted through decrees, without the opportunity for meaningful debate or scrutiny, and they often confused the public.

While the emergency was in place, officials and even the Prime Minister themselves violated the very laws they had created. This book, written by one of the UK's leading human rights barristers, provides a startling account of the state of emergency that led to the Emergency State. It serves as a wake-up call, reminding us of the importance of never taking our rights for granted.

Emergency State delves into the underlying reasons behind the pandemic and the erosion of democratic values. It sheds light on the power of the state, the ignorance and corruption of officials, and the dangers of unchecked authority. The book highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual rights in times of crisis.

Lady Hale, former President of the UK Supreme Court, describes the book as "astonishing," praising its "authoritative, thoughtful, and terrifying in equal measure." Jonathan Freedland, author of "The Escape Artist," describes it as "clear-eyed, forensic, and compelling," highlighting the lessons we need to learn from the pandemic.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a new law that has profoundly impacted the lives of millions worldwide. While the emergency was intended to be temporary, it has lasted for an astonishing 763 days, during which time ministers have introduced over 100 new laws that have restricted freedoms more than any previous laws. This book serves as a wake-up call, reminding us of the importance of never taking our rights for granted and the need for transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual rights in times of crisis.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 216 x 135 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781847927460