Keeping us Safe AND Free

The Coalition Government announced yesterday that legislation on phone and internet records would be fast-tracked through Parliament, in response to existing EU laws being struck down by the European Court.

The Liberal Democrats have ensured that no new powers will be included in the legislation, and that extra rules will be put in place to prevent misuse. These include:

· a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board

· a full review of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act

· reform of the Intelligence and Security Committee

· restricting the number of public bodies that are able to ask for communications data

· publishing annual transparency reports

· and the final Bill will have a "sunset clause", meaning that the law will come to an end in 2016.

This will mean that our security services will continue to have the powers that they have at the moment, whilst ensuring that there is a full debate on the issue.

Christine Tinker, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Shrewsbury & Atcham, commented: "The Liberal Democrats are working with all parties to ensure both the security and privacy of people in this country. In supporting this legislation, we will make sure this Government becomes the first in many decades to increase transparency and oversight - and make significant progress in defence of liberty.

"I firmly believe in the need to balance the demands of security with the right to civil liberties, and I am proud that the Liberal Democrats have struck this balance in government."