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See other news storiesPrime Minister says intercept evidence may be permissable
6 February 2008
In a statement to Parliament, the Prime Minister accepted the recommendations of an independent report on the possible use of intercept material as evidence in criminal cases.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the government would look at ways of using intercept evidence as advised by the Chilcot Report.
Guidelines would be drawn up to ensure that the interests of national security were never compromised, he said.
He said: 'The use of intercept in evidence characterises a central dilemma we face as a free society - that of preserving our liberties and the rule of law, while at the same time keeping our nation safe and secure.
'[The Chilcot Report] concludes that it should be possible to find a way to use some intercept material as evidence, provided - and only provided - that certain key conditions can be met.
'These conditions relate to the most vital imperative of all - that of safeguarding our national security. The government accepts this recommendation - and takes the accompanying conditions very seriously.'
Read the full statement
Read more on Number 10's website. (new window)
