GCHQ 'Did Not Break UK Laws' Over Prism

By Alistair Bunkall, Defence Correspondent

GCHQ, Britain's electronic eavesdropping agency, did not circumvent UK law in requesting and obtaining intelligence from its US counterparts gathered from the NSA Prism programme, it has been ruled.

Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee investigated the allegations made by the NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden and came to the conclusion that the intelligence agency operated within the law.

GCHQ submitted classified material to the committee as evidence and the agency's Director, Sir Iain Lobban, was questioned.

The committee also discussed the allegations with NSA and congressional counterparts on a recent visit to Washington.

"We have reviewed the reports that GCHQ produced on the basis of intelligence sought from the US, and we are satisfied that they conformed with GCHQ's statutory duties," the report states.

Edward Snowden (top) and William Hague

"Further, in each case where GCHQ sought information from the US, a warrant for interception, signed by a Minister, was already in place, in accordance with legal safeguards contained in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000."

At the time William Hague, who as Foreign Secretary is responsible for GCHQ, described the allegations as "nonsense" and "fanciful".

Responding to the committee's findings, he said: "I see daily evidence of the integrity and high standards of the men and women of GCHQ.

"The committee's findings are further testament to their professionalism and values.

"The Intelligence and Security Committee is a vital part of the strong framework of democratic accountability and oversight governing the use of secret intelligence in the UK.

"It will continue to have the full cooperation of the Government and the security and intelligence agencies."

However, the committee does suggest that the laws governing intelligence operations should be considered to ensure they are still relevant and adequate, although it makes no suggestion that this might not be the case.

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