LONDON -- The head of Britain's domestic spy agency refused to testify on anti-terror practices before a parliamentary human rights committee, outraging lawmakers demanding to know whether the country receives intelligence gleaned from suspects tortured overseas.The committee released its correspondence with MI5 chief Eliza Manningham-Buller on Tuesday as part of a report on counterterrorism strategies and human rights. Lawmakers miffed at being ignored pointedly suggested she should have testified _ and tucked the letters into the report to make their point.
And then gave her the “Stinky-Eye” just for good measures.
"We do consider it a matter of some importance that the head of the security services be prepared to answer questions from the parliamentary committee with responsibility for human rights," the report said. Manningham-Buller wrote that she was only able to testify before the Intelligence and Security Committee, which uses safeguards to protect sensitive information.
Dame Eliza could say no more.
The human rights committee was interested in questioning her about allegations that the United States has used British airports for the secret, international transfers of terrorism suspects, a process known as extraordinary rendition. They also wanted to ask about data gleaned from such interrogations.
The committee's report recommended that Britain set up an independent body to monitor the activities of MI5, the domestic intelligence agency, and MI6, the international spy service.
It also said that terrorism suspects held by British authorities, but not charged, should be entitled to compensation. A new law allows police to hold terror suspects for up to 28 days without charge, and the panel said anyone held for longer than 14 days should be entitled to counseling.
Entitled to compensation, counseling, also maybe job training, a pony, and a box of Fig Newtons.
The committee also recommended that Britain relax its ban on using surveillance material, such as telephone taps, as evidence in court to make it easier to prosecute terror suspects. The government says using such information as evidence would compromise the work of intelligence agencies, but the committee said security safeguards could address such concerns.
| You do begin to wonder if our cousins are up to the task of preserving their freedom. |