Interception of Communications Commissioner (Annual Report)

Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton Excerpts

Tuesday 8th April 2014 Written Statements

[The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron)]

I have today laid before both Houses copies of the 2013 annual report from the Interception of Communications Commissioner who is appointed by me to keep under review the compliance by public authorities with part 1 of the regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000.

The report provides an authoritative and clear explanation of the Commissioner’s responsibilities, the legislation and public authorities’ compliance with the law. The report makes clear the Commissioner’s view that RIPA is fit for purpose, despite advances in technology. He also finds that interception agencies undertake their roles conscientiously and effectively, and that public authorities do not engage in indiscriminate random mass intrusion.

The report also publishes, for the first time, a detailed breakdown by public authority of the number of communications data authorisations and notices issued. I welcome the greater degree of transparency that this report brings, without harming national security, and look forward to the Commissioner’s further work on the volume of requests.

While giving strong support to the legal framework and the intercepting agencies’ conduct. Sir Anthony’s report also makes a number of important recommendations relating to the lawful interception and communications data regimes. The Government are actively considering the report’s recommendations and we will respond in due course.

In the light of concerns about the activities of the intelligence agencies, the quality of oversight, and a number of public concerns and myths that have developed in the light of media allegations linked to Edward Snowden, I believe his report provides an authoritative, expert and reassuring assessment of the lawfulness, necessity and proportionality of the intelligence agencies’ work. I thank Sir Anthony for the rigour of his scrutiny.