Controversial ‘spy powers bill’ is not fit for purpose – I’m fighting to change it
The IndependentThe best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Today, MPs vote on a bill that would enable the government to authorise undercover agents to commit crimes – up to and including murder, torture and sexual assault – right here, in the UK. The Covert Human Intelligence Sources Bill gives vast powers not only to the security agencies but also to a questionable collection of public bodies. Still worse the Bill grants these powers not only to the police and MI5, but also the Food Standards Agency, the Gambling Commission and the Environment Agency, as well as three government departments. Conservative MP David Davis and I have tabled an amendment that would limit the powers in the Bill, so they cannot be used to sanction murder, torture or sexual violence by a government agent.
History of this topic
Government reverses attempt to explicitly ban spies from committing murder, torture or rape
The Independent
Government spycops law would sanction murder and rape by undercover police, MPs warn
The Independent
MPs vote against attempt to ban undercover agents from committing murder, torture and rape
The Independent
Investigatory Powers Bill officially passes into law, giving Britain the 'most extreme spying powers ever seen'
The Independent
Investigatory Powers Bill: ‘Snoopers Charter 2’ to pass into law, giving Government sweeping spying powers
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UK terror-law watchdog has given a green light to powers for spy agencies to collect bulk data
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New digital surveillance law passed by British lawmakers
Firstpost
Snoopers’ Charter: Only amendment politicians have submitted to controversial bill is to stop MPs being spied on
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Only China and Russia violate their citizens' privacy as much the Snoopers' Charter allows
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Snooper's charter: Theresa May to present revised Investigatory Powers Bill with tougher privacy protections
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Investigatory Powers Bill: Theresa May accused of rushing snoopers' charter into law to avoid scrutiny
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Investigatory Powers Bill: Scathing attack on Snoopers' Charter launched by Parliament
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Investigatory Powers Bill: The terror threat is the last refuge of the scoundrels
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Investigatory Powers Bill: How the Government's new snooping powers will affect normal people
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Investigatory Powers Bill: Judges, not politicians, should set the final boundaries of privacy
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New data bill contains 'sweeping surveillance powers that affect everyone in UK'
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Edward Snowden attacks terror Bill prompted by his treason
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