Thank you bloggers. The outrage in the blogosphere when Jon Ungoed-Thomas revealed the powers in the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act allowing a bailiff to force entry into people’s homes and hold them down to enforce civil debts has forced a very welcome government rethink. It wont happen.

Paul Nicolson, London, UK

im hassled by bailiffs, sometimes physical! they charged me .£160 for daring to not be in and be at work!i didnt even know they were coming.

carol kennedy, Portsmouth, england

i think this is totally shocking!! i am a disabled women with 2 young daughters and now find out the if i ever have the misfortune of getting into arrears etc i could have some blokes break into my home and basically scare the hell out of me and my kids. its a shocking law that shouldn't be implentd

Jane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, england

English Law, throughout history has been a bastion for common sense. Its base elements, copied in numerous colonies and countries, has now become a joke.

In many respects, America, while yes, it does have guns, have got their heads on straight, and their justice system works.
Ashamed to be English.

Steve, Dartford, UK

I am truly depressed by this news - I thought Labour was worth tolerating in order to get us out of this economic mess. But no longer - the idea that strangers can break into someone's home - break down their front door. The idea that Britain is a free country is slowly becoming a terrible joke.

Craig, Colchester, UK

Good that this 'guidance' has come to light. It is very worrying, and reinforces the anxieties expressed by Z2K and others when the govt put forward its proposals for these new powers.

Philip Giddings, Reading,

Thanks to Z2K for bringing these very worrying changes to light. Will the bailifs now be regulated as stringently as the banks?

Nicholas Sagovsky, London,

This story makes me so mad and furious that all my passions about campaigning to change our monetary system are refuelled.

Our story on behalf of victims of banks and other institutions is an online petition on http://tinyurl.com/666rwd.

Sighingly yours,

Sabine K McNeill, London, UK

@ Dean, Cardiff

Fair enough, but I personally value my own security, my family's safety and our hard-earned property enough to defend it. Human beings have a conditional right to life, but they also have rights to live free from harrassment and violence and state coercion.

James David, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

And another thing all those Americans talking about the sanctity of property and the right to kill intruders. As a human being I very much believe in the right to life i.e. not shooting someone who is coming to your house to take possesion of your TV. I dont like my TV enough to kill someone.

Dean Euden, Cardiff, UK

I'm just about old enough to remember Thatcher. I've now lived my entire adult life (I was 17 in 1997) under Labour. In that time I have watched in utter horror as they have systematically dismantled this once great nation. The future is bleak indeed. I personally am leaving next year - for good.

Christopher, Notts,

It would be nice to be able to organise a march of protest, but of course this government sends out bills for 'police and security costs' to the organisers. If these bills don't get paid they can now legally send in the heavies.

Another nail in the coffin of free speech in England...

Dave, Selby, England

Entick v Carrington, will the baliffs sell your private papers to the police, the state, the newspapers, the neighbours, why not if they can recover the debt. Who's copyright? Baliffs/Clampers have the police on side, they will not prosecute for abuse, they are part of the same enforcement family

Keith, Cardiff, UK

A debt driven economy cant work without a simple debt. recovery method. Allow easy recovery of the debt collateral and fine the debt collector 50 times the debt to the wronged party if they mess up. Most people in debt who dont pay wont pay. Dont waste taxpayer money on endless court cases.

Michael, London, UK

When I moved house, I had the Baliffs around for the previous owner. If I had been out, and it was now, they would have been able to break in and take my belongings.
My daughter has also had the same thing. You can write "not know at this address" many times, but they take no notice.

Carrie, London,

I wonder if these new power's are allowed in Scotland?

Peter Hearnden, Camberley, England

A friend used to live in Northampton, sold his house, moved . 2 years later he was pursued by bailiffs for £350 because people at his old address bought stuff from Littlewoods catalogue ,never payed and used his name. He contacted his lawyer, sent the papers but is still pursued 8 years later!

Telma Wikstroem, Guildford, England

if you think this is bad look at what happens in Israel

http://debtorsprison.synthasite.com/

Mrcus, Tel Aviv, Israel

Hello...Love all the Americans saying it would never happen here. Really? Our government has given trillions to private companies in an era when states are going bankrupt, they are proposing more taxes, and unemployment and food prices are at an all time high.
Do you GET IT YET????????

Tara, New York, USA

Excellent change to the law ... no-one should owe something they can't pay back. If you borrow money you can't afford to pay back you should face the consequences

Suan, London, UK

Not that I have any debts except for a small mortgage, this sounds like legalised assault and burglary

Nev, Frodsham, Cheshire

How long will you continue to roll over and let the government have its way with you? England lost its empire because its Commonwealth fought for independence away from the Crown to not be ruled without representation. Here your representatives are selling its citizens down the river. Fight back

Gideon, Independance, USA

Doug Miller, Fulham, "Six days after the publication of this article only 160 comments... WAKE UP BRITAIN!"

mate this is just the half of it, britains are too busy with there every day life to give a damn about things like this. this is until someone gets hurt. WAKE UP BRITAIN! or be a statistic

ste hardman, bury, lancs

It does not matterwhat government is in powere, they are all thesame we dont haveasay, because as i read elsewhere "britain is the most tolerant nation" lol what a claim we are a bunch of push overs, who let "our" government pass legislation like this. even im as bad whiningon here! DO SOMETHING!

ste hardman, bury, lancs

Too bad for the English people! As a Jewess in the US, I want to remind everyone that America wasn't won with a registered gun, and that criminals on EITHER side of the law are stopped by FIREARMS, not by talk. That is why all REAL Americans put our 2nd Amendment FIRST!!

Wendy Weinbaum, Dallas, TX, USA

Maybe all those that have jobs and pay their bills can chip in say, 700 Billion, to give to those that overspend and don't work... I know why they don't teach the story of the Ant and the Grasshopper in schools here in the US any longer. Would you like to borrow a President or two?

rob, houston, usa

Legal or not, I would fight tooth and nail against anyone entering my property.
The government had better start building the prisons and hospitals to handle the results now.
Council tax ~15% of salary, ~22% tax, 11% NI, 15% VAT: how ARE we to pay it all and still eat?

Dave, Selby, England

Somehow, I cannot see the baliffs would be allowed to enter the Palace of Westminster. The peoples representatives, hah Labour make me sick

steve tea, manchester, cheshire

"A company should also have the right to recover its own property"

Sure, in court. But certainly not through forced entry into a private residence.

If you can't understand the nature of this intrusion upon a fundamental liberty, what other liberties are you so readily willing to abandon??

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

Six days after the publication of this article only 160 comments... WAKE UP BRITAIN!

Doug Miller, Fulham,

"Medievil surfs" just about sums it up where the UK population is heading with these "sherrifs of nottingham" we need a robin hood.

A disgusting abuse of power which should be front page news on all the papers and news channels along with the police charging people for causing minor accidents.

steve, Seoul, Korea

I have to say as an American that I find this very disturbing. What happens in the UK usually makes it's way across the pond and Vice Versa. To see this continued erosion of individual rights and liberties that we have gained through the Anglo-American system is troubling.. You Brits need to standup

Daniel, Boston, The United States of America

There is no way such a law would stand, or even pass in the U.S. It violates our 4th Amendment protections against a Police State.

Banks incur risk in issing credit. We all pay it back to them
in higher interest rates. You can default a few of them, but
then you face credit reporting and lawsuits.

RField, Cincinnati, OH, USA

This is for the benefit of banks once again. Does this government work for the banks? Outrageous.

christopher, harrogate, uk

"A company should also have the right to recover its own property"

Sure, by court action. But certainly not through forced entry into a private residence.

If you can't understand the nature of this intrusion upon a fundamental liberty, what other liberties are you so readily willing to abandon??

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

This is what happens when a government takes away a citizens right to defend his home & family [ie. firearms]. Once a government takes away the right to self-defense, the other rights are sure to follow.
Here in America, we used to have a Bill of Rights. Not anymore.

George, Lewiston, Maine, USA

This would never happen in the states. Too many people would be shot. Yay, 2nd Amendment wins again! Sorry, Brits.

Matt J., Portland, OR, USA

im sorry. if any citizen tries to break into my house with the intention of using force against me they will receive a very nasty surprise indeed. let that be a warning

Chris, london,

Remind me why I still live here again.

Rich, Northants, UK

...where was this law, when O.J. needed it for his
Las Vegas break in?

Poor O.J. is in jail now. Would you guys consider
an extradition for him?

;^)

RField, Cincinnati, OH, USA

I always thought Bailiffs already had the power to force entry?!
obviously I am mistaken.

John Rivers, bristol, uk

Violence is not the right way to recover debts.
Are we seriously saying that some "street smart" can outsmart all of the educated leaders in the country? If that is the case, perhaps these "street smarts" could be used to create a better system. Set a thief to catch a thief!

Merry Christmas

JJ, Toronto,

Well said Victor. If you can't afford it, don't buy it.

Emma, Southampton, UK

"A company should also have the right to recover its own property"

Sorry chum, but if you lend someone something it doesn't give you the right to violent robbery if they don't return it. This is a system out of control; a charter to continue the madness of irresponsible lending. Disgusting.

Paul, London,

i'm sure some of the people complaining here are the same people who complain that you're not allowed to hit a burglar or tackle a mugger - make your minds up - either you're able to forcibly take what is yours or not. Personally, i'm all for it.

Marco, Kraków, Poland

Katie and Victor, let's all hope noone kicks in your door one day looking for someone else.

David Hall, Stafford, UK

Wow, Isn't this why my ancestors left London and chucked a bunch of tea into a harbor?

Personally I would recommend that all UK citizens arm themselves against this kind of Tyranny. Your country has obviously gone Too Far. This is why Americans own Guns.

Madness. Pure Madness

shawn, seattle, USA

Why should we cry about the rights of those who refuse to pay what they owe?
Freeloaders deserve everything the law has to throw at them.

Victor McGuire, Baddington, near Bleakley, England

I like this! Far too many people are avoiding their debts by not letting bailiffs in or going bankrupt.

The people who have got into debt and should be ashamed of themselves and make to pay EVERYTHING back.

Katie , York, UK

This destroys a FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOM enshrined in Law for centuries of the British citizen to be safe in his own home except where the law decides through due process (hearing and warrant issue) that he must allow entry.
*WRITE TO YOUR MP WITHOUT DELAY.*
Find them via: http://www.writetothem.com

Glen Bentley, Chesham, UK

1st thing first, people have to join a political party that is aligned with the goverment of the day. Then they can actually have their voice heard and just as importantly find out how all these laws are being passed/implemented without democratic approval.

William, East Grinstead, England

I have enough trouble with bailiffs who don't believe that the ex-tennant doesn't live here now!.
What will happen when these laws come into effect, will they be able to remove my wedding ring for someone else's debts?
Another reason I do not trust this goverment or people in general.

Kaynie, Wittering,

Americans, UK residents, and everyone else:

How about punishment for the crime of usury? I say, render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's...and in this case, it's a good kick in the rear!

Good luck to us all--we'll need it!!

Charlie, Arizona, USA

I left England more than 20 years ago and moved to the US. I'm so pleased I did. I was appalled by the cameras; the outrageous fines, and the general malaise, drunkeness and despair that I saw when I was back in 2005. This is it for England for me! Goodbye to all that! Liberty, RIP. Wake up England!

Kevin , Sedona, AZ, USA

Anyone heard anything about 42 days' detention lately? This govt is the most illiberal in decades and, incidentally, the most incompetent in almost all areas. Authoritarian governments tend to get what they deserve in the end.

Colin, Shrewsbury,

Another giant leap towards a "1984" country.
We are the East Germany of the modern world.

nyb, Scotland,

All in time for the new council taxes after an election; be prepared for a shock.

jules_london, london, UK

You all complain of the erosion of individual liberties. In fact, you do not understand that this event will bring further liberty to our country. It is not just individuals who have liberty and right to property. A company should also have the right to recover its own property

Justin Paston-Cooper, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Very scary ,very scary indeed !

Alan, Liverpool , UK

This doesn't feel like a free country. (And I'd know; I grew up in apartheid South Africa.) I moved back to the UK in 1997, Cool Britannia and all that, with no particular affiliation to any one party. Since then, in my opinion, Labour has done nothing except prove an absolute inability to govern.

Oliver Cunningham, London, EU

Do as we Scots did, when a neighbour or friend is threatened with the bailiffs, get the whole street to enter the property and stay there, secondly write out a bill of sale for all items and inform the bailiffs that the property therein belongs to you and is on loan to the householder.

Wills, Eastleigh, UK

Another attempt by the Stalinists in the Labour govt to initimidate the electorate. Other e.g.s, senior MPs arrested, identity cards, video/mobile phone/internet/satellite surveilance, detention without trial, gene DBs huge x-referenced govt DBs which "leak" regularly. Democracy in Uk is kaput!

Rich K, Southampton, UK

Have these laws been passed or is there anyway of protesting?
Will any future government reverse the law?

Dennis Boxall, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex

Well, no surprise really.

It's not as if we, the public, can do anything anyway. E-petitions are ignored, public opinion is ignored and no matter what we say the government is always right.

What's the point anymore?!

Matt Williams, London, UK

I have the basic human right to defend myself, my family and my home. A police man, with a warrant, may enter my home. A civilian debt collector 'un-invited' and without a warrant, may not. That means NO, Mr Brown.

John Thomas, ipswich,

Sue, I fully sympathise. I am still getting these letters addressed to 3 previous occupants of my house, and I have been here 10 years. It is clear the people are still using this address for credit. Numerous letters and phone calls have proved fruitless. I must worry for my door hinges now.

Nigel, Arundel,

I'm still being bombarded by letters from bailiffs addressed to a former occupant who moved out nearly four years ago. I know that they are bailiff's letters because they say so on the envelope. I've had bailiffs at the door. I'm terrified they'll seize my possessions.

Sue, Birmingham, UK

So the poor can have their debt transfered to a credit union, they will pay 27% interest and then because they can no longer afford the loan, they will have a bailiff literally through the door. Sounds like political suicide - make it quick, this is becoming tedious Gordon.

Jon, London, UK

And you in Britain wonder why we Americans are so insistent on maintaining our individual right to bear arms.

There would be a second revolution arising overnight if this was tried in the U.S..

Regardless of debt,, homes and private property are sacrosanct.

Scott, Durahm, NC, USA

Come back John Lilburne all is forgotten

Paul Sharp, Louth, UK

I wrote to my Labour MP Liz Blackman regarding this issue. To my horror she seems to be in support of the bill which went through parliament in 2007.

We all know that government watchdogs don't work and to expect them to regulate civil bailiffs is simply unrealistic.

A very sad day.

Richard, Notts, UK

This is shocking. It seems that those criticising socialism as authoritarian in nature were right .

Where are the parliamentarians of stature standing up for us against this outrage!

The government is simply granting a power that does not belong to it to give, we must stand firm and say NO!

jon underwood, edinburgh, uk

How disgusting. The restrictions on the activities of bailiffs developed over time for very good reason. As results paid strong arm men, there was, and is, too great a risk of them abusing their powers. Yet another ill thought out Government attack on the rights of the subject

Max, London,

In the days of the British Raj in India the Mahatma once said "Never so few have been ruled by so many". This is also true of our modern World and the British People are now feeling the wrath of Government mis-rule. Unfortunately Governments' Draconian rule will worsen.

vit King, surrey, uk

How many MP's read this column. Suggest that the Times takes this to loby all MP's as its an infringment of civil liberties, next thing we know the government will re-introduce Debtors jail's and imprission anyone who has defaulted. Lets all loby our local MP's before its too late

Mark , Southend-on-Sea, England

Will the last person to leave the country please switch off the lights.

Philip, Paisley,

What's next? People put in stocks in the public square? Debtor's prison?
Next time the British government blathers on about Human Rights, remind them they believe a home invasion is a reasonable response to an unpaid debt.

Lawrence, Los Angeles, California, USA!

Urgh, I can't believe this is going to happen.
If the government want to catch the people who evade debts then I think we all need to see if the radios are turned on or curtains are moving, in our banks.

jabed, wigan,

I am so lost for words! This government has championed spending spending spending, resulting in a stretched economy and banks overborrowing money to those who cannot afford it, and then they don't punish those who are to blame but the taxpayers who are bailing them out! Its all at our expense!!!

Sunny, Newton-Le-Willows, England

This is absolutely outrqageous. I can see charges of 'common assault' multiplying in the coming year. This is all going out of control, just like the economy.

B.Garvie, Reading, England

There is a line you don't cross, and this is where that line is.

dave hall, Stafford, UK

Is this the same government that continually condems the BNP??

John, Saltburn, UK

It's bad enough having baliffs turn up at your door looking for previous residents, is the first I'm going to know about it now going to be as I see my front door smashed open. We went to war to bring democracy, perhaps we need to bring back the troops to protect us.

Gus, York, UK

I will fight to the death if my daughter, wife or grandmother is pinned down by a thug, in my home, for them forgetting a credit card payment. As O'Brian said, in Orwell's 1984, the Proles are the answer, so wake up people, stand up for your rights. Break free from Britain's Three Party Dictatorship

Philip, London,

It takes me 30 seconds to pull down my bow from the corridor mount, string it and notch the first arrow. They want to get all medieval on me and invade my castle then they'll find me on the ramparts covering the drawbridge proving it's not all one way.

Tim, York, England

If they can't even control the people to whom they have outsourced car clamping, how the hell do they think they are going to control the thugs bailiffs employ?

Geoffrey Morton-Haworth, London,

So sorry to hear you have no weapons anymore. This will come to America soon

Bill, Bay Minette, USA

Whatever you think of the conservatives for god sake vote for them. This could happen to any one of us, a mistaken address, a previous owner in debt , a malicious person, we are all at risk from this legislation as a result of this incompetent government..

mark, maidstone, kent

Socialist Britain seems to be getting closer every day!

Andre, New York, USA

If you do anything in your life time then vote these idiots out!
I cant think of one thing that has improved since they took over, this country is becoming more like a dictatorship everyday. Its scary to think that not only did someone in Government suggest this idea, the rest of them agreed

Stuart, Birmingham,

This is the most disgusting thing any government could do at a time like this. I will never vote labour again, local or national. I hope this brings down Brown and his crop of middle class MP's. To bail out the banks who caused the misery and allow bailiffs to burgle the poor is beyond belief.

Bill Telford, Middlesbrough,

The Consumer Credit Act covers responsible lending. £5000 credit cards, £10000 loan to somone on £4000 pa, £1500 overdraft, £700 loan to somone on income support, £7000 loan, £1200 overdraft, £12000 credit card limit to an 18 year old on £10000 pa. All real examples. Not very responsible to me.

Mark Hampson, Manchester, Great Britain

If this doesn't prove a 'step too far'....I do not know what it would take to wake up the British people.

andrew, London, UK

Times!!! Make a front to this oppression!!!

Gary, high wycombe, uk

They could announce the Watchdog on saturday night, just before 'Strictly' -

"...the winner is.... the minature poodle in earmuffs"

dave hall, Stafford, UK

Id love to see them trying to get into my house, they would have a war on their hands, in fact they would get very seriously hurt!

James, St Davids,

"Why are the Americans posting comments? "
"This needs to stop now, someone suggest an action plan! "

Americans dealt with this problem in 1775 and 1776. Then we put a provision in our constitution that says: " . . the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be abridged."

Robert Campbell, Salem, New Hapmshire, USA

Will The Times please start a campaign to block this proposal or do we have to rely on The Sun?

John, london, UK

If you're all against things like this and are not doing anything about it, then start doing something now. Join some organisation (such as Liberty) and try to make your voice heard.

James J, London, UK

such a poor idea. so many people will get injured. what about shared tenancy? they can't just help themselves to anything in the house

mike, sheffield,

This is incredibly dangerous, and the weak will suffer. When the banks build up debts, they are bailed out. When a poor person builds up debts, they end up having the 'shirts ripped off their backs'! It is all too easy to build up debt through no fault of your own e.g. Tax Cr. errors/ legal fees.

Kim Domnick, Torquay, UK

Granting powers to random companies that should only be the remit of the police is the end of a free society. I do wish it was April Fools Day and that this wasn't true. And claiming that the powers would be overseen by a watchdog is just laughable window dressing.

Freya, London,

A lot of us Americans are dusting off their copy of the Bill of Rights, especially the 2nd Amendment - "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Firearm and ammo sales are through the roof here.

Douglas, Littleton, NH, The united "States of America"

We were threatened with bailiffs after our district council failed to record us paying our council tax by direct debit. The council admitted they were wrong, the bailiffs said they weren't interested in our innocence. Our MP (Tory) got it sorted + an apology from the council only. Labour out NOW.

SA, Monmouth, UK

If someone employed as a bailiff dies following these guidelines who does their family sue? The employer? The government? The person protecting themselves from an unknown person approaching them inside their home? Bad idea, only tears will result..

Steve, Derby, England

Well, I guess we're back in the dark ages, again.
Anyone with skills and education should seriously consider leaving while they don't need Brown's permission.

trisha, San Ignacio, Belise CA

May I suggest, then, as a way of defense, that you all arm yourselves. I know we get a lot of flak from the world because Americans are so violent. It's true. However, anyone breaking into my house to take my possessions for any reason will not leave the house in the same condition he came in.

Willow, Oregon, USA

it was the crown that owned all things in the uk but not any more its this commie govt now ,why did you vote for this hollow shables and bone less party who make laws and then hid when the police have to implete them

page, ipswich, uk

We need to organise volunatary rapid-reaction bailiff response teams.
These people would provide a physical barrier for the property and being private, uninvoled citizens, could not be assaulted by the bankers thugs without redress. We have to take back our liberty.

Paul, Birmingham, England

Simple : If you are a victim of mistaken identity and a bailif 'restrains' you, then you should receive immunity from prosecution if you 'assault' him. It is simply a response by you to an intruder who has forced entry.

Eric Skelton, Cardiff, Wales

Police as tax collectors.
Thugs as fine collectors.
Nu labours gestapo.

Rick, newcastle, uK

shocking thats all i can say

dee, manchester, uk

Day by day, democracy and freedom of speech is dying in this country. All that our people died for in two world wars is being undermined.

Allowing ballif thugs, some with criminal records, to assault people in the course of their 'duties' is unbelieveable.

Henry, Swindon, UK

I had debt collectors chasing me because of previous tenants leaving unpaid bills. I would defend my property with "force" from the hired goons sent by the debt collectors. I find this completely unconstitutional and to goes against "the rights of free born Englishmen".

Chris Hodges , London, UK

I live in the USA but my parents were English.It is quite sad to see the erosion of peoples rights in the UK.
I also believe if the economy continue to decline we will see this here as well. I hope this will be the final straw and people will protest the loss of their rights.

Jon , Beaufort SC, USA

Be quiet !
Likely, the rule shall not be applied if your deby is over 1,000,000
pounds !

Ioan, Timisoara,

Why has this not been debated or given prominence in the press? First time I heard it mentioned was yeterday morning on BBC TV when discussed by Vince Cable. The press should have been on this like a shot long ago.

Perhaps we can have a press lead campaign similar to the Baby P disgrace.

BC, C/bury,

This is absolutely outrageous.

John , Norwich,

Does this mean bailiffs now have more right to use force in our homes than we have to protect our homes from burglars?

justin, london,

I would say to my Brethren across the pond, if the price is too light for those that try to enter your home then no lesson has been learned. Make the price these private bailiffs higher than they are willing to pay. We will be re-learning that same lesson ourselves in the near future. Godspeed.

J Wilson, Texas, US

Another great example of New Labour bringing in draconian laws that make Maggie Thatcher look like Ghandi in comparison.

dave, London,

I find it appalling that having incurred debts bringing up a foster child with learning difficulties, for whom I have received virtually no financial assistance for the past ten years that I am now in danger of having my home broken into. I am 64, have two jobs and I am still in debt.

Sylvia Barker, Oxford, Oxon

There are an unacceptable amount of flaws with this ludicrous idea. I really want to know who is responsible for this idiocy.

Ed, London, UK

Hello Glen from Milton Keynes,

Your views on the House of Lords would appear less intellectually flawed if you could spell 'anachronistic'.

Happy Christmas.

Josh, London,

Carter- Because they got freedom of speech!! shame I Know!!

John, London, UK

For those of you with inquiring minds, read "Modern Money Mechanics" by the Federal Reserve (which is NOT Federal and has NO reserves). This is the basis for all currencies today, i.e. out of nothing and backed by nothing. All credit card debt is based on this fiction.

Ian, London, UK

And if you try to 'defend' youself are you then open an assault charge???

David, Windsor, UK

Presumably, we'll be able to break into banks to get our money back.

Pete, London, United Kingdom

Go to Home Office.gov: Review Powers of Entry. PM stated there are 250 provisions for entry to homes without permission.PM said : 'We should consider whether we need to do more to offer redress for the individual against any disproportionate use of powers by the state.' Lobby your MP now!!!!!!!!

Dawn, Canterbury,

No,no,no this myst be stopped

keith seston, emsworth,

This is APPALLING and totally UNACCEPTABLE.

Carolyne, London,

Not long before the shotguns come out to protect one's property!

peter close, berwick-upon-tweed, england

Well now, let's be good and try to support the new legislation like a good citizen. Perhaps we can start with giving bailiffs power to use force to collect debt owed by this government. Afterall, it's reasonable to collect the biggest debt before going after smaller ones, right?

Olivia, Leeds,

Does anyone actually know which piece of legislation or regulation this is coming from? What it the name of the Statutory Instrument?

Nigel Beedles, Cardiff, Wales

I once had three thugs kick the door down. It turns out they were looking for a previous resident, & that they were armed with baseball bats. Very traumatic.

If the government & the Law sanctions this kind of medieval thuggery, don't expect everyone to be 'model citizens'.

You can guess the rest.

Albert Hall, Blackburn, Lancashire, UK

Any baliff attempting to enter my home would be commiting suicide.
Wake up Britain!! We have stopped racing towards dictatorship and a police state: we are already there!

Paul, Edinburgh,

this would be clearly breach of human rights i believe......

Rahil, London, UK

Well at least we have that bastion of common sense to save us from this stupidity. The House of Lords will kick this nonsense into touch. Don't seem such an anachronysm now do they.

Glen, Milton Keynes, UK

George Orwell was so wright!
It's time for action, we the ENGLISH are so passive we have forgotten how to stand for our wrights, we have a weak goverment hanging on to ther jobs under any auspice they are useing terrioism to blind us all with a gradual Police state - very dangerous times!

David, London,

This has got to be another pathetic idea from labour they would be better off spending their time making sure banks were not lending to much rather than letting city fat cats walk off into the sunset with huge bonuses for cocking things up in an almighty way.As for the baliffs big trouble for them.

glenn , dunstable, uk

Vote this bloody government our-we're going beyond 1984.How dare they they suggest these proposals!

val, london, uk

I'm sure No. 10's curtains are moving...

Nick, Hammersmith, UK

Having just seen the film Vendetta, I think I can see where this is all going. Anyone know where i can get one of those plastic Guy Fawkes masks and full body armour? And 'oops, I used reasonable force because I thought the baliff was an intruder - sorry about the broken neck!"

Ron, Milton Keynes, Uk

What has England come to?

Thomas Ellison, Palm Beach, United States

Please identify the minister responsibl for these new regulations and the statutory authority under which they are being introduced.

geraldine williams, Darlington, UK

Bye Bye Mr Brown

Phil Mann, Newcastle upon Tyne,

I really hate living here now. I think most of us owe it to our children to get out of here and find somewhere that people matter.

Neil, Birmingham, England

I recently received a letter from HMRC pursuing a tax bill I had paid 7 months before and which they had "mis-allocated". That letter indicated that bailiffs would be sent to seize goods to the value of the bill I had paid. If I had not received that letter what then for my wife and baby. Madness

Matt D, Leeds, UK

It brings a new light to the burden of proof

Nigel, Atherstone,

Why are the Americans posting comments?

Anyway, this is ridiculous. I'm moving out of the country.

Carter, London, UK

This needs to stop now, someone suggest an action plan!

J Turner, London,

And what happens when they have the wrong person in their sights? I had a bailiff call when I moved house. He would not at first believe I was not the person they were after. Indeed I was told that many people say that so I was guilty first... it took some convincing him to go away - v. scary.

Ben, Barnsley,

'A robust industry watchdog' ?
- The will be a first!

Mike, Wiltshire, UK

I really feel that we are putting up with too much now. The government will soon track all email web, and telephone converstations in the name of "anti-terrorism", and expensive traffic databases track our every move. Now this. There is no way I can vote Labour in the next election.

George Aldridge, Bath, UK

This is terrible. I have been receiving demands from debt collection agencies for years for a man who has never lived at my address. What if the bailiffs just turned up, would they listen if I told them I didn't know who this man is? The whole thing has not been thought out properly.

F Ahmed, London, Great Britain

It is insulting to think that at a time when our government has bailed out banks and is considering the car industry that it preparing to treat individuals like this.

Denchanter, London,

Another manifestation of the relentless march of State Socialism. Note well; it is in pursuit of fines they award most power. Increasingly fines for minor misapprehensions are seen as an important source of government income.

John B, Burton-upon-Trent, UK

So, we have dropped to the tactics of intimidation used in Zimbabwe.

People who like hurting others can join an agency and have the law on their side when they use violence.

The founders of the Labour Party would, rightly, despair at the values their inheritors now hold.

philip, Liverpool,

If the Government are serious about this, then I think a national petition should be compiled and presented in person to the PM.
The whole idea of giving these powers to 'bailiffs' is totally wrong. Even the police cant break in without a search warrant, what makes these people above them.

John B, Bridgwater, UK

I have completely lost faith in our goverment and yet feel powerless to do anything about it other than simply leave this country. Vote them out you might say ? Really, that has not worked todate and I suspect the interest groups may carry the day yet again at the next election.

SC, PRESTON,

they have gone a step too far now, this government has to be told by whatever means[like the poll tax] ,that they cannot use bully boys[sorry baliffs] on a legal[now it seems[ smash and grab on/in your own home on the whim of credit companys and the like, action by USE must be taken to stop this now.

steve, taunton, uk

Well I'm stunned into disbelief, glad I don't live in the UK anymore, having once been a policeman I envisage serious reprisals even loss of life, I personally would rather do 25 years for murder than watch some some thug* break into my home *(which is what debt agencies who buy the bad debt employ)

Alan Clarke, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

William Pitt, the Elder was right and he's still right. What the government is proposing would be, in a criminal context, breaking and entering. Many of these private bailiffs are already intimidating. Allowing these unqualified thugs to enter premises and use force will lead to untold violence

Rodney S. Barker, Gainsborough, England UK

Even the fact that New Labour have the gall to field this idea says volumes about the thuggish state of their own minds.

Unfortunately democracy turned long ago into dictatorship because New Labour have been ''ruling'' for too long with too large a majority.

K Urban, London, UK

I detest this proposal. It's appalling. I've been a Labour supporter all my life. No more.

Pete, Manchester,

Allowing the power of force to be used by bailiffs, who are civilians, against people is absolutely wrong. They are not the Police with arrest warrants and risk being charged with every section under Common Assault. What the hell is going on in this country?
This Government has gone too far.

B.Garvie, Reading, England

And just what happens to those of us who are completely innocent because the person the bailiffs are after actually lives 3 doors away but has given our house number incorrectly on credit card change of address details?? At least the bailiffs I have had visit me so far have been polite.

Sally, Letchworth, UK

the reason why the government has introduced this is due to the non payment of council tax - it is no different to 500 hundred years ago, soldiers being sent to knock down your door and collect tithes. Everyone knows council tax is way too high and unfair and this is how the govt will get paid.Sad.

r.Perrin, Perrinville, Perristan

What a sad state of affairs! I have worked for bailiffs, who took delight in intimidating poor people and usually took things that they (the bailiff) wanted personally! A slippery slope, expect a backlash of extreme violence!

Chris, Gloucester, UK

A further extreme step in this governments erosion of our basic freedoms.
I would like to escape to another country but they are smarter than you think! Without realising it you have been imprisoned by stealth now you can no longer move as abroad they have made your currency worthless.

David, Richmond, UK

When the government starts to make bad laws, It is the right of the people to arm themselves against injustice. The British have had all the means to defend themselves taken away by successive governments of different complexions. It must be right for them NOW to seek all means to protect thmselves

Miguel, Alicante, Spain

Given the problem with identity fraud a debt could be run up in your name without you even knowing about it , until you find yourself being attacked by a bailiff. The public have no such redress against financial institutions. What if a pension fund collapses owing you money? or a bank?

Eddie, Lincoln, England

If lenders want to have a chance to recover their loans they must only lend against legal collateral. That is all.

Lotus, Sai Kung,

Well, based on the comments, it seems that, finally, the good people of England are starting to understand how the colonists felt in 1776. Your government is trampling on you the same way the once trampled on us.

Fight with ballots, not bullets, and good luck.

Monroe, California, U.S.A.

I foresee an increase in maimed and dead bailiffs.

Alex, Toronto, CANADA

If I come home to find strangers in my home, I'll attack them first then ask questions later. A person's home IS their castle and the law is an ass that should be resisted by force. Bailifs beware, you are messing with your own health if you stomp over natural law.

Sternhammer, Manchester, UK

None of us voted for this so why are we putting up with it?

We are not medieval serfs and don't want to be treated as such.

Do we need a dead bailiff before they listen?

Sternhammer, Manchester, UK

We have the castle doctrine in Georgia also. Even still, in the Atlanta area the police are fond of the no-knock warrant; breaking through one's door in full combat regalia. I don't care who it is if someone comes crashing though my door they will meet Mr. Shotgun.

JB, Newnan, GA, US

Time to fly the coop Britisher pals.

Andrew Milner, Karuizawa, Japan

I eagerly await a bailiff entering my home uninvited. It'll be his last break-in, I'll say that much.

Karl, London, UK

here in rural oregon (west coast of usa between washington and california) every householder has guns, every single one of us, and we won't hesitate to use them. there's virtually no crime here beyond drunk driving and fish & game violations. a private bailiff breaking in would be a suicidal act.

bruce, unincorporated area, oregon, united states of america

Just another example of how the labour party continues to turn the UK into a police state by undermining our ancient rights.

Chris, Hong Kong,

Having owned a house where the number had changed three times and one of the numbers was used for mail order theft, we had enough trouble with the relatively polite bailiff that turned up to collect debts.
This idea is absolutely over the top.

E Porter, Bristol, England

its difficult to know where to begin with what is wrong with this crazy idea

Steve Simpson, Stratford, UK

If only you knew The Queen's True Powers.

But that is not for Common People such as yourselves.

All I will say is how Beautiful she is even as she ages and "Long Live The Queen".

John Dee, Richmond, USA

To think that English law is the basis for laws around the World and now your Country has become this. It is a sad day for humankind, freedom and democracy.

Paul from Birmingham, England also hit the nail on the head when he wrote it's obvious what the priority is for the government.

ross, Vancouver, Canada

In Alaska we have what is known as "castle doctrine."
If someone breaks into your home you have the right to defend yourself and your property with deadly force. Without fear of prosecution.
I'm sure Washington is in line right behind Downing
St.
Sickening.

Gene, Fairbanks, Alaska USA

so what happens when a tenant moves into a new residence and finds themselves confronted by debt collectors chasing the previous occupants...

and with these new powers in force, surely there will be an increased incentive (if renting) to run from the empowered bailiffs..

gd point A Wilson

Matt, Knutsford, Cheshire

Like most of the other laws prepared in this Government's time, this one seems horribly flawed. Some of these bailiffs are totally heartless to the point of being unscrupulous, to give them powers like this is horrendous.

G. Forshaw, Preston, Lancs

This should remove any last doubts you had about whos best interest are represented by the state.

Paul, Birmingham, England

"the new powers would be overseen by a robust industry watchdog."
Yes. ... we know how well self regulation has worked before. This government is a disgrace!

A Wilson, norwich, norfolk

This is unacceptable!!

Phill, Cheshire, UK

This looks like the usual incompetence of this government in drawing up legislation that may give criminals the right to enter peoples property on the pretext that they owe money to some pseudo company that has been set up to enable them to nenter any property and remove goods by force.

Ramzy El Korashy, Brighton, UK

"The government, which wants to crack down on people who evade debts". That makes me laugh. Can we go and strongarm the banks?

Michael Fremlins, London, UK

anybody left in this country still think its free even thatcher at her worst did not bring a law out that gave baliffs the power to use force when people refused to pay the poll tax even she new it would be a step to far baliffs are already abusing the powers they have now

ricey, halifax, england