Counter-Terrorism Bill
10:30 am
Crispin Blunt (Whip, Whips; Reigate, Conservative)
I am afraid that I am ignorant of any relationship between Dame Stella Rimington and the Conservative party. Other hon. Members might be able to assist on that, but I am not aware of any relationship. Dame Stella finished being the head of MI5 in 1996, which was 12 years ago, but she could have given—or can give, if the Committee agrees to the amendment—important evidence on the climate in which anti-terrorist operations are conducted. She had long experience in that post and to a degree is freed from the immediate considerations. Obviously, it would be inappropriate to take public evidence from the serving head of MI5.
Dame Stella would be an expert witness on the wider consequences of some of the legislative framework, particularly the increase from 28 days to 42 days for detention without charge. She has particular experience relating to Northern Ireland as well as in dealing with the emerging threat from Islamic terrorism in the 1990s. She has an impeccable professional reputation and would make a fine witness if the Committee were inclined to agree to the amendment. I am as much concerned about the process as I am about her qualities as a witness, which are exemplary, so I regret that the Government and the Cabinet Office have not seen fit to establish her availability. I think that we should request her to attend by putting her name on the Order Paper.