Stephen Timms, "New clause gives government the power to inspect the bank accounts of anyone claiming a social security benefit: child benefit, state pension, universal credit” "Why is the government bringing these powers forward now, with zero scrutiny? The state has always had powers concerning benefits fraud, this proposal for surveillance when there is no suspicion at all, is a substantial expansion of the state’s power to intrude” “The amendment gives the government extremely broad powers, with no checks in place, and it’s being done in a way that minimises parliament scrutiny. And I find it hard to see how it can be defended” 2016: Take back control 2023: Turn UK into North Korea where government has access to your bank account willy nilly