I'll be voting against The Covert Human Intelligence Sources Bill today.

This is the latest chapter in the attempt to wrest key scrutiny powers away from the judiciary, place British authorities beyond the law, and squash dissent.

A thread
1/8

This Bill would give legal sanction to a host of illegal actions - grave human rights breaches including murder, torture, sexual violence and a rafter of civil liberty violations. 2/8

To list a few covert operations & breaches: the shooting of lawyer Pat Finucaine in Northern Ireland, the SpyCops revelations of undercover officers having sexual relationships (and even children) with activist and the surveillance of left-wing MPs. 3/8

With current guidelines allowing covert operations on the basis of “preventing disorder”, this Bill also gives its blessing to the infiltration of trade unions & protest organisations.

Covert operations should have no place in everyday workplaces. 4/8

When it emerged that the Stephen Lawrence campaign was infiltrated by undercover officers, the Govt set up the Pitchford Enquiry, recognising “appalling practices in undercover policing.”

It's highly suspect that the Govt is putting down its Bill before this is completed. 5/8

A former MI5 chief points out there are “no limits” to the crimes covert agents can commit.

Completely contrary to the rule of law, not only does this make it impossible to prosecute their crimes; it gives them prior authorisation to commit them without judicial oversight. 6/8

As @amnesty point out, the law does not expressly ban MI5 and other agencies from authorising torture & killing.

This is unacceptable.

The prohibition against torture & murder in the name of the British state must be absolute. 7/8

Covert ops are necessary at times to uncover crime. But we must never normalise or legalise breaches of human rights & civil liberties.

Police & security services exist to enforce the law, not to break it.

Covert operations must have thorough oversight & clear limitations. 8/8