If you were ever in doubt about who politicians are working for – just check out the initial list of amendments to the highly controversial Investigatory Powers Bill currently being considered by the UK’s parliament.
The only amendment that’s been submitted to change the text of the proposed legislation asks for an additional safeguard to protect MPs from having their communications unnecessarily intercepted.
Today, the proposed law would require that the Prime Minister is consulted if any communications by MPs are to be intercepted. The new clause would add that the Speaker of the House of Commons must be consulted too.
Of course, politicians undertake important work and as such should be given the opportunity to do so without fear that they’re being spied on.
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Unfortunately last year, after a campaign by Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, it was ruled that a protection from any spying was not legally enforceable in the UK.
She said at the time:
Parliamentarians must be a trusted source for whistleblowers and those wishing to challenge the actions of the Government. That’s why upcoming legislation on surveillance must include a provision to protect the communications of MPs, Peers, MSPs, AMs and MEPS from extra-judicial spying.
But, in the case of this amendment, it doesn’t look great that politicians are, yet again, looking after themselves first and the people who voted for them second.
➤ Notice of amendments [Parliament.UK]
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