Author Archives: Andrew Defty

Stalling in the Wilson Doctrine debate

A version of this post first appeared on The Conversation blog on 22 October 2015. The so-called Wilson Doctrine, a parliamentary convention which has, for almost fifty years, protected the communications of parliamentarians from interception by the intelligence and security … Continue reading

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Is the Wilson Doctrine dead?

The judgement of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) last week that the so-called Wilson Doctrine has no basis in law and that parliamentarians could not reasonably expect the Doctrine to be applied in practice, have raised further questions about the … Continue reading

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Too much continuity not much change: appointments to the Intelligence and Security Committee

Nominations to the new Intelligence and Security Committee have, somewhat belatedly,  been announced and approved by Parliament. This is the first time that membership of the ISC has been subject to parliamentary approval, although those nominated to serve on the committee are hand-picked … Continue reading

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The Wilson doctrine: tapping the telephones of members of parliament

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal will today consider the legality of a convention whereby the communications of parliamentarians may not be subject to interception by the intelligence agencies. In a case brought by the Green MP, Caroline Lucas, the Peer, Jenny Jones, … Continue reading

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Where is the Intelligence and Security Committee?

It is more than two months since the general election and new Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has yet to be appointed. The delay in appointing the new committee is beginning to raise eyebrows, and questions, in Parliament and beyond. … Continue reading

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