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Review 'backs intercept evidence' | Review 'backs intercept evidence' |
(30 minutes later) | |
An independent review into the use of intercept evidence in court cases will conclude that it can and should be allowed, the BBC has learned. | An independent review into the use of intercept evidence in court cases will conclude that it can and should be allowed, the BBC has learned. |
The UK is one of a few countries that bans such evidence and the security services are opposed to its use. | The UK is one of a few countries that bans such evidence and the security services are opposed to its use. |
Gordon Brown will make a Commons statement on the issue on Wednesday. | Gordon Brown will make a Commons statement on the issue on Wednesday. |
BBC political editor Nick Robinson said the PM would make it clear that the UK was a step closer to using phone tap and other intercept evidence in court. | BBC political editor Nick Robinson said the PM would make it clear that the UK was a step closer to using phone tap and other intercept evidence in court. |
Last year the prime minister asked former civil servant Sir John Chilcot to look into whether intercept evidence - secretly intercepted private communications which can include telephone calls, faxes, email and post - should be used in court cases. | |
Complex cases | |
The government wants to extend the period for which terrorist suspects can be held without being charged, because they say increasingly complex cases means it takes longer to build a convincing case. | |
But critics of the extension proposals say allowing intercept evidence to be used would make it easier to secure convictions and most countries use it to good effect. | |
The use of intercept has proved vital to counter-terrorist efforts almost everywhere else in the world David DavisShadow home secretary | |
Mr Brown will announce Sir John's findings after prime minister's questions on Wednesday but the BBC understands they will back the use of intercept evidence in court. | |
Nick Robinson said Mr Brown will say he is minded to allow the evidence but only after steps are taken to meet the security services' objections. | |
The security services are concerned that surveillance techniques and their limitations would be revealed - and say they do not have sufficient staff to go through evidence and transcribe conversations to be submitted to court. | |
'More harm' | |
In evidence to the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee published last week, representatives of the surveillance service GCHQ said: "So far we do not believe that anything proposed passes the test of doing more good than harm. | |
"And we are convinced it would lead to a net reduction in our national ability to deal with crime and terrorism." | |
That seems to me, if we do allow intercept evidence, to be unnecessary Chris HuhneLib Dems | |
But shadow home secretary David Davis said the review "sounds like a breakthrough." | |
"We have been calling for this for years. The use of intercept has proved vital to counter-terrorist efforts almost everywhere else in the world." | |
Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne told the BBC: "If we can use intercept evidence, that removes a very important argument for a further extension of the period in which people who are suspected of terrorist offences can be held without charge or trial. | |
"The government is currently attempting to extend that period from 28 days to 42 days. That seems to me, if we do allow intercept evidence, to be unnecessary." |