Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the Prime Minister’s comments on counter-terrorism powers, said:

“The ongoing terrorist threat to the UK, particularly as a result of ISIL, does mean more needs to be done to tackle extremism including strengthening Prevent, using TPIMs and relocation powers against those who pose a threat as they are not currently being used, and making sure policies protect both our security and our freedoms.

"The capabilities of the intelligence agencies and law enforcement must keep pace with changing and emerging technology. So too must the oversight arrangements. That’s why Labour called for the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, David Anderson, to review and recommend detailed changes to the law around both capability and oversight arrangements in time for the legislation required in 2016.

“With proper warrants in place, the agencies need to be able to continue to be able to look at the content of communications of those feared to be plotting terrorist attacks. And there must continue to be safeguards to protect innocent people’s privacy.

"Both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats supported the David Anderson review last year. I hope they will continue to do so now, so there can be a sensible public debate on the detail of reforms that are needed, based on the evidence. 

"But there are also more things the Government could pursue right now. That includes using relocation powers and TPIMs for those returning from Syria who pose a serious threat but for intelligence reasons cannot be prosecuted. At the moment no TPIMs are in place on those returning as they were weakened too much when control orders were abolished. The relocation powers need to be swiftly brought back, and a review should be done of all cases to see whether strengthened TPIMs could be used to reduce the threat.

"Those returning from fighting in Syria and Iraq should where possible be prosecuted for any crimes or terrorism abroad. But there should also be compulsory engagement with Prevent for all those who have returned from fighting at the fringes of ISIL. Current policies mean only a small number are likely to be required to join Prevent. And there should be proper judicial oversight of new powers too.

“The Prevent programme needs to be strengthened with a stronger role for local communities and more action to directly challenge the warped ideology and lies being spread, particularly through social media. We should be supporting those who credibly expose the reality of these violent and barbaric groups as other countries have started to do.

"We must not let terrorists win, that is why we need to protect both security and liberty in our democracy. Strong powers need to be backed by strong checks and balances.”