Douglas Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, commenting on the Investigatory Powers Tribunal ruling on GCHQ’s approach to intelligence sharing, said:

“It is right that the IPT have thoroughly investigated these allegations and it is vital that all necessary measures are now taken to guard against any further breaches.

“Of course as both technology and the threats that we face continue to evolve, it is right that our intelligence agencies keep pace - but changing powers also need new safeguards and oversight so that they are not open to abuse.

“Labour insisted on a statutory review by David Anderson, the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism legislation last July and made sure this will include recommendations on how the law can keep pace with changes in global communications.

“And we have said that in this country we do need to see a more vigorous discussion about oversight and accountability of our intelligence agencies, which is why we called for an independent review of our existing counter-terror legislation.

“In the past some politicians may have been satisfied with their assumption that our intelligence agencies were being held properly accountable. But today it is not enough for oversight to be working effectively, it has also to be seen by the public to be working effectively. And it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that this standard is being met.”

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