Sturgeon: Is GCHQ snooping on MSPs?
SNP asks if spying ban on MPs applies to Holyrood
NICOLA Sturgeon has written to David Cameron demanding to know if spymasters have relaxed rules on snooping on MSPs.
It follows reports that the Wilson Doctrine – named after former Prime Minister Harold Wilson – banning GCHQ f rom tapping politicians’ phones and hacking their emails was changed so it only applies to MPs.
That l ef t MSPs in t he Scottish parliament – as well members of the Welsh and Northern Irish assembles, and MEPs i n Brussels – vulnerable to routine surveillance.
The changes came into place after last year’s referendum, but it is not clear whether or not they could be used retrospectively as a defence of spying during the campaign itself.
Yesterday GCHQ, the UK’s intelligence services headquarters, refused to answer questions on its policies, directing them to
‘Worried about doing their jobs properly’
the UK Government’s Cabinet Office. The Cabinet Office also declined to comment while litigation is taking place.
Green politicians Caroline Lucas MP and Baroness Jenny Jones, and former Respect MP George Galloway, have brought legal action claiming disclosures by whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed their communications had been intercepted.
Miss Sturgeon said there was no reason why the same level of protection should not apply to MSPs as MPs.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, she wrote: ‘I am sure you will agree with me that, excepting truly exceptional circumstances involving national security, the confidentiality of communications between parliamentarians and their constituents is of the utmost importance.
‘I am sure you will also agree that it is just as important for MSPs as it is for MPs.
‘This principle of confidentiality is what the Wilson Doctrine was introduced to protect.’
Miss Sturgeon added: ‘ You will therefore understand my concern at suggestions, r e por t e dl y supported by documentation shown to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, that while GCHQ had been applying the Wilson Doctrine to the communications of MSPs, that is no longer the case.’
Her concerns were echoed by rival parties, campaigners and the Scottish parliament’s Presiding Officer. Shadow Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has tabled a series of Parliamentary questions demanding an explanation from ministers.
Scottish Labour acting leader Iain Gray said: ‘It is unacceptable for the communications between devolved representatives across the UK and their constituents to be monitored by GCHQ.’ Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick has also written to Mr Cameron.
She wrote: ‘I feel strongly that all elected members should be treated in the same way, regardless of which parliament or assembly they are elected to, especially with regard to any communications a member has with his or her constituents.’
Naomi McAuliffe, Amnesty International’s programme director for Scotland, said: ‘ People could be more afraid of contacting their MSPs over sensitive issues for fear that it’s going to be read by a third party.
‘ MSPs t hemselves will f eel worried about being able to do their jobs properly if they feel that there is this kind of invasion into their confidential and private communications.’