Labour's enabling legislation means that the one-off bankers tax could be extended to YOU

Devils Kitchen has a must read post that includes this frightening and very plausible thought:

"the law might be aimed at bankers' bonuses right now, but we know that NuLabour has also attacked the remumeration of many other so-called "fat cats", e.g. energy company bosses. So, sure, NuLabour will pass this law and it will be aimed squarely at bankers' bonuses—after all, everyone hates the bankers, eh?

But watch out for the mini-Enabling Act clause in the Bill: it will be something that allows a government minister to change the terms of reference, probably by statutory instrument.

And then watch the law become extended to cover energy company bosses, and then other private company managers, and then—sooner or later—you'll find it's your company and your money in the firing line."

Whatever you want to call this oft used Labour tactic: 'Salami tactics' (per Yes Minister) or Pastor Niemoller tactics, the effect is the same. More power accrues to the state and less to the citizen:

"First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me."

Maybe today:
"First they came for the smokers
and I did not speak out
because I was not a smoker.
Then they came for the climate change deniers
and I did not speak out
because I was not a climate change denier.
Then they came for the bankers
and I did not speak out
because I was not a banker.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me."