The notion of authoritarian government and subversive security services are not new. Chris Mullins on A Very British Coup from 1982. The response of the State to the prospect of a Labour Government led by Tony Benn bordered on the hysterical when Mullin wrote his book. At the time it was fashionable on the left to wear 'Benn for Deputy' badges, Many of us were so impressed by Ray McNally's Harry Perkins character we wore 'Perkins for PM' badges.