Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, has expressed his concerns over new surveillance laws proposed by the Government. It is feared the legislation, which aims to make it easier for security services to investigate serious crime and terrorism, could encroach on civil liberties. It has been reported that proposals would provide communications data accumulated from the phone calls, texts, emails and the internet use of individuals to various Government agencies.

Ministers are hoping to expand monitoring powers following the previous Government’s failure to introduce a similar law in 2006 in the face of widespread opposition. The legislation is expected to feature in next month’s Queen’s Speech and the Home Office has confirmed that a bill will be put before Parliament as soon as there is parliamentary time available.

Shami Chakrabarti, director of the civil rights group Liberty has said,
“This is more ambitious than anything that has been done before. It is a pretty drastic step in democracy. It was resisted under the last Government. The Coalition bound itself together in the language of civil liberties. Do they still mean it?”

Mr Turner responded by saying,
“The UK is often seen as a beacon of freedom and this is a step in the wrong direction. Of course we should debate how terrorism suspects and criminals are monitored as technology moves forward, but if media reports are even half right these proposals, if passed, could be the start of a slippery slope. The privacy of individuals going about their lawful business should continue to be protected. I will be watching the progress of these proposals closely and will resist any changes that could lead to infringements on the rights and existing freedom of individuals.”
ENDS

Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808