Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Julian Smith Excerpts
Thursday 31st October 2013

(11 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Lansley Portrait Mr Lansley
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The answer to the hon. Gentleman’s question is no. We will not need a debate, because there is no necessity for it.

Julian Smith Portrait Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)
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On 4 October, The Guardian published in minute detail the techniques used by the intelligence services to apprehend those who use the Tor network—the so-called dark internet—to commit, anonymously, serious online crimes, including crimes involving child pornography. May we have a debate on the impact of those Guardian reports on the combating of serious crime in the United Kingdom?

Lord Lansley Portrait Mr Lansley
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My hon. Friend has been rightly assiduous in pursuing this issue. I entirely share the Prime Minister’s view that The Guardian not least, but others as well, should reflect on the damage that could have been done to the UK’s safety and security by the undermining of those whose job is to keep us safe.

My hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) has secured a three-hour debate in Westminster Hall on oversight of the intelligence and security services. It will take place this afternoon, and will afford my hon. Friend an opportunity to make exactly those points.