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Written question asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (Green Party) on Monday, 21 November 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 December 2016. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Thursday, 24 November 2016 on behalf of the Home Office.

Fracking: Protest

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what guidance they have given to the police about the use of covert infiltration of anti-fracking groups.

Answer

The Government does not hold information on the monitoring by police Counter-Terrorism Units of anti-fracking activity, or the number of arrests made by each Unit associated with any such activity.

The Government has not given specific guidance to the police on the use of undercover officers in anti-fracking groups. This is an operational matter. However, the police use of undercover officers and other covert sources is regulated by Part 2 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and subject to guidance in the Covert Human Intelligence Sources Code of Practice published under section 71 of RIPA.

Prevent training does not include any reference to participation in anti-fracking groups.

The Government has not issued guidance to the police regarding exchanges of information between the police and the coal and gas industry. The National Police Chiefs Council has issued guidance to forces on policing linked to onshore oil and gas operations.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3371
Session
2016-17
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Police Protest Surveillance Fracking
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk