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MI5 defends use of ‘vital’ foreign intelligence to protect Britain
Martin Bentham, Home Affairs Editor16.10.09
The head of MI5 has defended British cooperation with foreign security services by warning that intelligence from the overseas agencies is “vital” to prevent terror attacks in this country.
Jonathan Evans, director-general of MI5, said intelligence from abroad had saved British lives and that every major plot in the UK during the past decade had had “significant” overseas links.
Critics argue Britain should halt its use of information from countries where detainees are sometimes abused. They accuse MI5 of being complicit in torture through its use of intelligence from those agencies.
Mr Evans insisted that MI5 did not collude in or solicit torture and made “enormous effort” to ensure its requests for information did not trigger mistreatment of detainees.
He added: “We would have been derelict in our duty if we had not worked with overseas liaisons who were in a position to provide intelligence that could safeguard this country from attack.”
Reader views (3)
So, Evans, why wasn't saddam hussein tortured (even to death) to reveal where those alleged Iraqi WMDs were, hmmm? Need I go on?
And insofar as all those illegal immigrants entering this country are concerned, you are, of course, keeping track of ALL them, aren't you, Evans? You can't afford to miss even ONE of them. How many terrorists - or potential terrorists - are among them, Evans??? What are YOU doing about that?
- Ralph, London
You cant restrict the armed forces use of interrogation methods in gaining information, perhaps the rise in the number of terrorists could be linked to their knowing that if captured they can withstand the moderated methods now employed. It appeared that "waterboarding" was successful, whereas the terrorists would not hesitate to cut off mens bits, then once they had the information shoot the prisoner, wasent it in Beriut in the 70.s a US embassy staff called Higgens was captured and "skinned alive" this is what we are up against, they are probably laughing at our ineptitude. Forinstance if waterboarding is allowed,the health and safety will insist on only warm water is used.
- Jim Allan, Lake District
We cannot control other country's intelligence agencies. If the choice is between not dealing with them on some naive moral ground or being practical about it and accepting the 'diverse' cultural differences. I know which choice I would make.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
