Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

Not content to have the debacle that is Iraq as their legacy, Tony Blair's government wants one more shot at leaving their mark on Britain. Guardian:

British police could be given powers to stop and question anyone for the first time throughout the UK under new anti-terror laws being prepared by the Home Office, officials said.

The measure - so far used only in Northern Ireland - is set to be part of a new package being prepared by Home Secretary John Reid as he prepares to quit the Cabinet next month.

Anyone who refused to co-operate could be charged with obstructing the police and fined up to £5,000, according to reports.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We are considering a range of measures for the Bill and 'stop and question' is one of them."

At present, officers may stop and search individuals on "reasonable grounds for suspicion" they have committed an offence but have no rights to ask for their identity and movements.

("Reasonable grounds for suspicion" is roughly our standard for a "stop and frisk" search.)

How long until Wrecks decides that "stop and question" is a terrific new "wartime power," too?