MPs will scrutinise UK snoopers’ bill despite Paris comments

UK Home Secretary Theresa May has suggested new powers for spies should be properly scrutinised by the UK Parliament following calls from the Prime Minister and a Liberal Democrat peer to fast-track the legislation in the wake of the Paris attacks.

Islamic State militants killed 129 people in the French capital last week.

However, Ms May said the draft Investigatory Powers Bill should be examined closely by MPs.

In contrast, David Cameron said “we should look at the timetable” when he was interviewed after the attacks.

In response to a request in the House of Commons that the powers are not fast-tracked, Ms May said: “We do, of course, look at all counter-terrorism legislation and consider and review the necessary timetable for it.

“But I think it is important this is a significant bill, I think it is important that it does have proper scrutiny.”

The news comes after a Liberal Democrat peer called for the bill to be fast-tracked.

Lord Carlile advised the coalition government on the Communications Data Bill – the “snoopers’ charter” – and attempted to add the rump of it as a late-stage amendment to a different bill in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shootings in January.

The Guardian reported recently that Lord Carlile earned £400,000 from a consultancy business he began in 2012 with Sir John Scarlett, a former MI6 chief that offers strategic advice on UK policy and regulation.