Legally blind

The shadow home secretary, David Davis. Photo: Richard Lewis/AP
Listening to David Davis' speech today I was struck again by the Conservatives' use of the phrase "law-abiding citizens". I assumed this meant people who didn't break the law. Wrong. It's actually shorthand for Tory supporters charged with something they don't agree with, particularly speeding. Speed cameras rival only the European commission as the bugbear of the conference. The mere mention of the contraptions at fringe meetings provokes murmurs of disapproval. Tory chairman Liam Fox almost got a standing ovation when he called for their abolition at policy seminar the other day. It seems Mr Davis' promise to get tough on crime doesn't apply to those barrelling down residential streets at 60mph. Stop, look and listen before crossing the road under a Tory government.