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UK Prime Minister – Intercept evidence may be permissable

In a statement to the House of Commons, the PM said that the Government would look at ways of using intercept evidence as advised by the Chilcot Report. Guidelines would be drawn up to ensure that the interests of national security were never compromised, he said. The PM said:

“The use of intercept in evidence characterises a centraldilemma we face as a free society – that of preserving our liberties and the rule of law, while at the same time keeping our nation safe and secure. [The Chilcot Report – see text below] concludes that it should be possible to find a way to use some intercept material as evidence, provided – and only provided – that certain key conditions can be met. These conditions relate to the most vital imperative of all – that of safeguarding our national security. The Government accepts this recommendation – and takes the accompanying conditions very seriously.”

  • Privy Council Review of intercept as evidence: report to the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary, Cm 7324, 4 February 2008 (67 pages, PDF)
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