2 Lord Grabiner debates involving the Ministry of Defence

Investigatory Powers Bill

Lord Grabiner Excerpts
Wednesday 13th July 2016

(8 years, 5 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Thomas of Gresford Portrait Lord Thomas of Gresford
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But not the fact that he was proposing to escape charges of spying by going to another country. Was there something iniquitous about our conversation?

Lord Grabiner Portrait Lord Grabiner (Non-Afl)
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There probably was because no solicitor was engaged. So privilege was not attracted at all.

Lord Keen of Elie Portrait Lord Keen of Elie
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The noble Lord makes a good point, and it may be that the noble Lord, Lord Thomas, wishes to refer himself to the Bar Standards Board. However, I understand that the rules have changed since then.

Investigatory Powers Bill

Lord Grabiner Excerpts
Monday 11th July 2016

(8 years, 5 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
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My Lords, I am very sorry to have to disagree with my noble friend about the consent in writing, which would be likely to result in completely impractical situations. It is not clear what real advantage would be gained. In any case, most of the time, prior consent in writing would simply not be an option. Taking the example again of a telephone call, it is difficult to see how the normal transaction of business would not be completely impeded if we insisted on this provision.

I shall endeavour to respond to my noble friend about his question on subsections (1) and (2). I do not have a ready interpretation to give him now but, if I can during the proceedings, I shall do so.

Lord Grabiner Portrait Lord Grabiner (Non-Afl)
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The language is pretty clear. Subsection (1) of Clause 42 suggests that consent of both is required, while subsection (2) refers to the consent of the recipient alone.

Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
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The noble Lord has expressed it very well, and I defer to his excellent interpretation.