Labour victory as Howard retreats on bugging plans
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Labour claimed victory last night as the Home Secretary announced a retreat over plans to legalise the "bugging and burgling" of private property by the police.
Michael Howard said in a written House of Commons answer that police would have to apply for prior approval from a government-appointed security commissioner in all but urgent cases. Where the matter was urgent, they would have to apply within 24 hours. The Government was defeated in the House of Lords on the issue after Labour withdrew its previous support for the plans.
The Liberal Democrats claimed last night that the measures still did not provide adequate safeguards. The party, which has opposed the measures all along, said there was no adequate definition of the circumstances in which exceptions could be made. The Law Society said the Bill remained flawed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments