Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill debated in the Lords

The Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill will amend the existing Investigatory Powers Act 2016 to ensure the UK's investigatory framework is equipped to deal with current and emerging threats.

Debate on the draft law

During second reading, members discussed the main topics in the bill and highlighted concerns or specific areas where they think amendments (changes) are needed.

Members discussed topics including judicial commissioners, approval and issuing of warrants, intelligence services and data retention.

Members speaking 

Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Conservative), Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Home Office, opened the debate and responded on behalf of the government.

Members speaking in the debate included:

• Lord Carlile of Berriew (Crossbench), former Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation
• Lord Coaker (Labour), trustee of the Human Trafficking Foundation
• Lord Evans of Weardale (Crossbench), former Director-General of the UK Security Service (MI5)
• Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour), former chair of Draft Investigatory Powers Bill Joint Committee 2015-16.

Catch up

• Watch the debate on Parliament TV.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript. 
• Find out more in the House of Lords Libary Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill briefing.

Next steps

Committee stage, the first chance for line by line examination of the bill, is yet to be scheduled.

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