266 excuses the Government has to raid your home

An astonishing 266 laws exist giving powers not just to police but to an extensive range of public officials to enter private residences – by force if necessary – according to the Centre for Policy Studies. The centre-right think tank says its findings are proof that an Englishman's home is no longer his castle.

They will also heighten fears that the country is drifting towards a "Big Brother is watching you" surveillance state. Harry Snook, author of the CPS pamphlet, said the bulk of the powers had been created by Parliament over the last two decades.

Some are indisputably needed, such as seizing items which could be used for committing a terrorist attack, or making an arrest.