Draft Communications Data Bill to be re-addressed, says Nick Clegg

The Deputy Prime Minister states that new government legislation cannot proceed

16:58 11 December 2012

Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has declared that the draft Communications Data Bill should not go ahead. He has stated that the government’s new plans should be revised so that they ensure “the balance between security and liberty”.

 

Liberal Democrat Mr. Clegg warns that there needs to be a rethink over the legislation which relates to certain bodies, such as the police, being able to monitor areas of internet usage.

 

Mr. Clegg expressed that: “I believe the coalition government needs to have a fundamental rethink about this legislation. We cannot proceed with this bill and we have to go back to the drawing board.”

 

He said: “There is a problem that must be addressed to give law enforcement agencies the powers they need to fight crime. I agree.”

 

He added that: “But that must be done in a proportionate way that gets the balance between security and liberty right.”

 

The surveillance plans that would help police come after ministers reviewed the Communications Data Bill. The Home Office are calling for the plans to go ahead with the continued battle against terrorist activity.

 

The Draft nods to data being stored on individual’s internet activity. This could include the person who creates the data, who may receive it and which computer devise was used, according to reports.

 

This means that emails, and messages on social network sites, are thought to be involved if the Draft was to go ahead.

 

It is understood however, that if police are to need access to the information stored to help them with an investigation, they would need a warrant.

 

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: “This legislation is vital to help catch paedophiles, terrorists and other serious criminals and we are pleased both scrutiny committees have recognised the need for new laws.

 

“We have now considered the committees' recommendations carefully and we will accept the substance of them all. But there can be no delay to this legislation. It is needed by law enforcement agencies now.”