New Clause 2 — Official Secrets Act 1989 (additional defence)

Isil – in the House of Commons at 9:00 pm on 23 February 2015.

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Votes in this debate

(1) The Official Secrets Act 1989 is amended as follows—

(2) After section 8, insert—

“(8A) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under any provision of this Act to prove that he knew, or had reasonable cause to believe, that the information, document or article disclosed was—

(a) germane to an official investigation of, or inquiry into, historic child abuse, and

(b) provided only to an officer of such an investigation or inquiry.”—(John Mann.)

Brought up.

Question put, That the clause be added to the Bill.

The House divided:

Ayes 233, Noes 296.

Division number 158 Isil — New Clause 2 — Official Secrets Act 1989 (additional defence)

Aye: 233 MPs

No: 295 MPs

Aye: A-Z by last name

Tellers

No: A-Z by last name

Tellers

Question accordingly negatived.