MPs debate Intelligence and Security Committee report
22 November 2011 (updated on 22 November 2011)
Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Conservative MP for Kensington and Chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee, moved a debate in the House of Commons on Monday 21 November on the publication of the 2010-11 Annual Report from the Intelligence and Security Committee.
Intelligence and Security Committee
The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) was established by the Intelligence Services Act 1994 to examine the policy, administration and expenditure of the Security Service, Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), and the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).
The Prime Minister appoints the ISC Members after considering nominations from Parliament and consulting with the Leader of the Opposition. The Committee reports directly to the Prime Minister, and through him to Parliament, by the publication of the Committee's reports.
The ISC published its annual report on 13 July 2011 and the Government's response to the Committee's report was published on 12 October 2011. The Government also published on 19 October its Green Paper on Justice and Security.
- Intelligence and Security Committee Annual Reports and Government Response (external website)
- Intelligence and Security Committee (external website)
- Commons news: Justice and Security Green Paper statement
Home Secretary, Theresa May, responded in the debate on behalf of the Government. Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, responded in the debate on behalf of the Opposition.
Watch and read the debate on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard. Also find current parliamentary material on the Intelligence Services in the Topics and News sections.
- Parliament TV: Debate on Intelligence and Security Committee report
- Commons Hansard: Debate on Intelligence and Security Committee report
- Topics: Intelligence services
- Parliamentary news: Intelligence services
Debates
Debates are an opportunity for MPs to discuss government policy, proposed new laws and current issues. It allows MPs to voice the concerns and interests of their constituents.