Law and order has long been a major issue in British politics.

The Blair Government brought in legislation to introduce national identity cards; ministers claimed that this measure will make UK citizens more secure from the threats of international terrorism and domestic crime.

Especially since 9/11, how to strike the correct balance between protecting the state and promoting the liberties of the citizen has been the subject of heated political debate.

This meeting examined how Liberals over the last 200 years have responded to repressive measures taken in the name of security.