The balance between national security and freedom of speech is a difficult one for any government to strike.  But for Labour the balance to be struck is not so much between national security and freedom of speech, but rather between freedom of speech and political reputation as evidenced by Des Browne’s call for criticism of the MOD by coroners to be outlawed. 

After all, it’s terribly inconvenient for Labour when coroners draw attention to equipment shortages and operational failures. 

It’s good to know where Labour’s interests lie.