Terrorism

Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 9 February 2015.

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Photo of Julian Smith Julian Smith Conservative, Skipton and Ripon 2:30, 9 February 2015

What progress she has made on ensuring that the Security Service is adequately equipped to tackle terrorism.

Photo of James Brokenshire James Brokenshire Minister of State (Home Office) (Security and Immigration)

It is vital that our security and intelligence services should have the powers and resources that they need to keep us safe. We have taken steps to maintain capabilities through the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Act 2014, and we are increasing powers through the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill. An additional £130 million will be available over the next two years to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities.

Photo of Julian Smith Julian Smith Conservative, Skipton and Ripon

A terror suspect is arrested every day, and our intelligence services are crystal clear that they need greater oversight of internet communications. When will the Government bring the Communications Data Bill back to the House?

Photo of James Brokenshire James Brokenshire Minister of State (Home Office) (Security and Immigration)

I pay tribute to the work that our police and security agencies do to keep us safe, and it is right that my hon. Friend should highlight that work in his question. Capability gaps identified during discussions on the draft Communications Data Bill have not been met, and we are clear that action needs to be taken. This issue needs to be addressed early in the next Parliament.