Edward Snowden has started a global debate. So why the silence in Britain? | Simon Jenkins

We're subject to huge unwarranted surveillance – but Westminster's useful idiots are more likely to sanction than criticise it

• Malcolm Rifkind: What rubbish, Sir Simon!

The Brazilian president cancels a state visit to Washington. The German justice minister talks of "a Hollywood nightmare". His chancellor, Angela Merkel, ponders offering Edward Snowden asylum. The EU may even end the "safe harbour" directive which would force US-based computer servers to relocate to European regulation. Russi...