Oversight of Investigatory Powers

Friday 20th December 2019 Written Statements

[The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)]

On 18 July 2019, the Government published new guidance titled “The Principles relating to the detention and interviewing of detainees overseas and the passing and receipt of intelligence relating to detainees”. This will replace the existing “consolidated guidance” with effect from 1 January 2020. The new guidance is being extended to include the National Crime Agency and SO15 Metropolitan Police Service and will provide clear direction for UK personnel on their interaction with detainees held by others overseas and the handling of intelligence derived from them.

The Investigatory Powers Commissioner will continue to oversee and report on the application of the principles, and to enable this I have today issued a direction to the commissioner to keep under review compliance with the guidance by UK personnel so far as they are engaged in intelligence activities. In accordance with my obligation to publish such directions under section 230 of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, I am now depositing a copy of the direction in the Libraries of both Houses.

[HCWS3]