What happened to civil liberties?

Last week we were left wondering about the true nature of the coalition Government. Against the background of its pledges to restore the civil liberties of the British people and give communities a real say in decision-making came Government plans to severely limit children's fundamental freedoms in the name of achieving better discipline in schools. It would be ironic if it wasn't so disturbing. 

Searching children has been a reality of law and practice in schools for several years, with headteachers and school staff already able to search children without their consent for weapons, drugs, alcohol and stolen property. Yet the Government is planning not only to encourage searching children without consent for items such as iPods and cigarettes - a significant extension of existing powers - but to legislate for additional powers to cover any item 'which may cause disorder or pose a threat to safety'.