United bid to keep us all safe

I have been leading for the SNP on the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill.

This follows a review of counterterrorism policies that were initiated in response to the horrendous attacks in the UK during 2017.

My role is to work with other parliamentarians to scrutinise this proposed piece of legislation on a lineby-line basis.

This is an intense process that requires a lot of work to ensure we can create the most effective piece of legislation possible.

Due to the sensitive nature of this bill, the usual partisan party politics don’t really apply.

It’s fair to say that we’re all working together to ensure that we have the most effective response possible to prevent terrorist attacks from taking place.

The threat that is posed by terrorists is constantly changing and it is of the utmost importance that we have the most effective response possible to combat potential threats.

There are certainly some concerns that I have with the Bill, including fears some of the proposed powers could sweep up too many innocent people if it is left unamended.

But I agree with the Home Secretary when he said that we should find a balance between liberty and security.

I intend to try and hold his Government to that aspiration.