National Security (The Guardian) Debate

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Department: Home Office

National Security (The Guardian)

Paul Flynn Excerpts
Tuesday 22nd October 2013

(10 years, 6 months ago)

Westminster Hall
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Julian Smith Portrait Julian Smith
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I will address that point shortly.

I believe we have some of the best oversight in the world of our intelligence services—judicial, ministerial and parliamentary—but we are right to keep testing, keep questioning and keep challenging.

My intention today is to highlight where The Guardian has crossed the line between responsible journalism and seriously risking our national security and the lives of those who seek to protect us. If action is not taken, there will be direct results for our national security, now and in the future.

I pay tribute to our ex-colleague, Louise Mensch, who through her blog, social media and columns has ensured that this major national security issue has been kept alive throughout.

Paul Flynn Portrait Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab)
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Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

--- Later in debate ---
James Brokenshire Portrait James Brokenshire
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In his witness statement to the High Court during the judicial review of the police’s decision—

Paul Flynn Portrait Paul Flynn
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On a point of order, Mr Caton. You are the guardian of the reputation of this debate, and so far it has demeaned Parliament’s reputation, because we have had two speeches that were written and read with no attempt to engage us in debate. This is McCarthyite scaremongering that disgraces Parliament.

Martin Caton Portrait Martin Caton (in the Chair)
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Order. My response is exactly the same as the one I gave to Mr Winnick.