Joanna Cherry MP QC says UK surveillance powers have gone ‘further than any other Western democracy’

THE UK has gone “further than any other Western democracy” in its extension of surveillance powers, according to SNP MP Joanna Cherry QC.

The comments were made during a panel discussion held by Scottish PEN, an organisation which works to defend freedom of speech, after a screening of documentary film The Haystack, which explores the UK Investigatory Powers (IP) Bill. 

Olivia Cappuccini is the founder of Scenes of Reason, an independent media outlet which has produced a documentary investigating the Investigatory Powers Bill (IP Bill) and the affects that it may have on the wider public

Scottish PEN's Nik Williams asks what the era of Theresa May as prime minister will mean for civil liberties

THE swift accession of the surveillacrat Theresa May is now complete. Following her stewardship of the Home Office and the stepping aside of Andrea Leadsom as a leadership challenger, Theresa May has taken over the role of prime minister of the UK and all defenders of civil liberties should be deeply concerned.

Scottish PEN's Nik Williams takes a look at the latest developments with the UK Government's controversial IP Bill

WHILE we at Scottish PEN are avid fans of correct spelling and grammatical clarity, we do not believe that it is the end of any endeavour, be it fiction, poetry, journalism or in fact policy making. 

Bill faces changes as predecessor is brought before EU court

THE Investigatory Powers Bill (IP Bill) is facing proposed amendments that could curb powers allowing police forces to seize data and monitor individuals without a warrant.

The Conservative Government's IP Bill has proved controversial - but what is it and what does it mean for the public?

THE Snooper's Charter, or Investigatory Powers Bill (IP Bill), has proven a controversial piece of legislation, being described as both a necessary measure in counter terrorism and the latest step toward an Orwellian surveillance state.

And yet despite the negativity that it has inspired, much of the general public remains confused as to the ins and outs of what the Bill actually allows.

New surveillance powers could mean end of whistleblowing in the UK, organisation warns

THE new IP Bill could prevent leaks such the Panama Papers from happening in the UK, Scottish PEN has warned.

Part of the international network of PEN organisations which support freedom of expression in literature, the Scottish branch said that under the new law confidential sources may not have the courage to come forward for fear of discovery and prosecution.

Journalist Yvonne Ridley says the SNP should offer some opposition to the UK Government's controversial IP Bill

GROUPS of spooks, geeks and security experts will spend the next few weeks giving evidence about the UK Government's controversial Investigatory Powers Bill (IP Bill).

Known to us mere mortals as the Snooper's Charter, it is probably one of the most baffling and toxic pieces of legislation to be considered by the Westminster parliament's Public Bill Committee.

SNP justice and home affairs spokesperson claims Tory rivals have no respect for rule of law

SNP justice and home affairs spokesperson Joanna Cherry QC has branded the Conservatives "extraordinarily authoritarian" over their controversial IP Bill.

The IP Bill is designed to give the government new surveillance powers, including forcing internet providers such as Sky and BT to store archives of sites visited by users for up to a year. Tory Home Secretary Theresa May has championed the Bill as a means to combat terrorism through increased surveillance.