It seems that the Home Office is trying to sneak the Communications Data Bill, also known as the Snooper’s Charter, into the Queen’s Speech to be given to Parliament on 8th May.
It’s trying to do this with as little consultation as possible and whilst trying to keep the details of the Bill secret.
As I’m not a criminal, I object to having my communications monitored by the government and have today written the email below to my MP, Stephen Williams, to draw his attention to the Home Office’s shenanigans.
Dear Mr Williams
I’ve written to you before on the matter of the Snooper’s Charter, also known as the Communications Data Bill.
The Home Office is – to the best of my understanding – trying to rush through an revised version of the Bill (the previous version was roundly condemned by a joint committee of both Houses, if I recall correctly) with minimal or no consultation.
In addition, the Bill has also attracted the attention of the Information Commissioner. Home Secretary Theresa May has so far declined to explain a proposed “filtering” system which would allow officials to trawl through the public’s private emails, text messages and other messages sent through the internet. However, the Information Commissioner has now ordered the Home Office to publish the advice that ministers received on the design, cost and risks of the new filtering system by 11th May. If the Home Office fails to comply with the Information Notice issued by the Commissioner last week, it will be judged as being in “contempt of court”. For full details, please see http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/10007940/Home-Office-faces-legal-action-unless-it-reveals-details-of-Snoopers-charter.html
I would urge you to use your influence with Nick Clegg and David Cameron, who are this week deciding whether to keep the Snoopers’ Charter in the Queen’s Speech on 8th May.
Yours, etc.
For those readers also concerned by the illiberality of the Home Office’s proposals – of which the GDR’s Stasi would have been proud – discover what you can do by consulting the Open Rights Group website.