#intelligence-agencies

#intelligence-agencies

The bill will enforce a duty of candour on public officials and contractors to tell the truth in the aftermath of disasters. But concerns were raised by campaigners that it went too far in protecting individual employees of the intelligence agencies who might have misled public inquiries or investigations. The government made a series of amendments to the bill on Friday to try to allay concerns, but is understood to be considering further changes after MPs said they could lose the support of victims.

For example, privileged information shared by foreign partners is currently not overseen by the IPC. It's common practice for national intelligence agencies, such as GCHQ, to receive reports from allies overseas, including from those in the Five Eyes alliance. These reports often contain the kind of privileged information that, in the UK, would require permission from a judicial commissioner, under the IPA, to acquire.

Gabbard stated that she has not seen any evidence suggesting Jeffrey Epstein was connected to intelligence agencies, asking to see credible evidence if it arises.