All 1 Debates between Malcolm Rifkind and Julian Huppert

Intelligence and Security Services

Debate between Malcolm Rifkind and Julian Huppert
Thursday 31st October 2013

(10 years, 6 months ago)

Westminster Hall
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Malcolm Rifkind Portrait Sir Malcolm Rifkind
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I am sorry, but I cannot at this stage.

Given our willingness to have our first public hearing with the intelligence chiefs next week in front of the cameras, plus other public sessions, as well as the new powers we are already exercising, I ask right hon. and hon. Members to test whether we use such powers properly. They should not say that we do not have those powers in the first place, because there is not a single new power that they have suggested should be given to the Intelligence and Security Committee that we do not now have.

Julian Huppert Portrait Dr Huppert
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Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?

Malcolm Rifkind Portrait Sir Malcolm Rifkind
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I cannot, unfortunately.

Right hon. and hon. Members should by all means scrutinise whether we use the powers properly, but they should please do so on the basis of knowledge about the Act that Parliament approved within the past 12 months.