Parliamentary Search

Proceeding contribution from Baroness Park of Monmouth (Conservative) in the House of Lords on Monday, 19 March 2007. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee proceeding on Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill.

Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill

There are two issues here. One is the protection of the operation of the secret services. That is adequately policed, and need not be policed by anyone else. The body mentioned by the Minister exists. The other is the confidence of agents. If agents feel there is any danger that they are going to become an interesting subject in a report, you will not get agents. That will affect not just Northern Ireland but the whole country. Intelligence is indivisible across the United Kingdom, basically. We have to remember that the agent who looks at reports like that is going to go away and say, ““I don’t think I will co-operate after all. It is much safer to keep my head down, keep my mouth shut and not do anything””. Please let us remember that too.

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
690 c147GC 
Session
2006-07
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand Committee
Subjects
Accountability Appeals Crime Administration of justice Attorney General Juries Evidence Intelligence services Human rights Intimidation National security Northern Ireland Police Powers Relatives Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Offences against the administration of justice Terrorism Trials Attorney General for Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions Scheduled offences Challenge to jury
Legislation
Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill 2006-07
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk