What if your face no longer fits?

INT. PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE NO. 10 SOME TIME IN THE NOT-TO-DISTANT FUTURE. PM SITS AT DESK. SENIOR STAFFER ENTERS.

SENIOR STAFFER

Sorry to disurb you, sir.

PM

(Annoyed) Yes, yes, what is it?

SENIOR STAFFER

Well, Prime Minister, I’m sorry to tell you the National ID Database has been hacked.

PM

What? How? We were assured that this could never happen? We spent extra millions to ensure security.

SENIOR STAFFER

Well, sir, you will remember, Fujitsu also told us that the Horizon IT system couldn’t make mistakes, resulting in Post Masters being wrongfully prosecuted, financially ruined, or even imprisoned...

PM

Yes, yes, ok...

(PM disimissively waves hand at Senior Staffer)

...Just tell me, who did it and how much data did they steal?

SENIOR STAFFER

Well, Prime Minisiter, we really can’t say who it was and they didn’t actually steal anything.

PM

(Sits back in chair)

Well, that’s good, I suppose, so what exactly did they do?

SENIOR STAFFER

Well, Prime Minister, I’m afraid they have deleted records, making people non-citizens to be arrested on the spot and jailed, subject to deportation, as per the laws you championed.

PM

Oh, good grief, so just a prank then? We can fix that?

SENIOR STAFFER

Well, possibly Prime Minister, but it will take quite some time and I have to be honest with you, the technical chaps aren't too sure they can do it. In the meantime, there's the law...

PM

(Sighs) So who are these non-citizens?

SENIOR STAFFER

Well, Prime Minister, I’m afraid you are not going to like this...

PM

(Blusters) Damn it, just tell me...

SENIOR STAFFER

Well , you and every elected member of Parliament, Prime Minister....

(PM gasps)

SENIOR STAFFER

...In fact, these gentlemen are here to escort you to detention.

(Two armed police officers enter the room and handcuff the PM. They remind him he has no rights.)

SENIOR STAFFER

I’m sorry, Prime Minister, but you said there would be no exceptions to the rule of law.

END ACT 3 SCENE 3