This snapshot, taken on 22/12/2011, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.

Introduction

About the Committee

The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) was established by the Intelligence Services Act 1994 to examine the policy, administration and expenditure of the Security Service, Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), and the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). The Committee has developed its oversight remit, with the Government's agreement, to include examination of intelligence-related elements of the Cabinet Office including: the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC); the Assessments Staff; and the Intelligence, Security and Resilience Group. The Committee also takes evidence from the Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS), part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which assists the Committee in respect of work within the Committee's remit.

The Prime Minister appoints the ISC Members after considering nominations from Parliament and consulting with the Leader of the Opposition. The Committee reports directly to the Prime Minister, and through him to Parliament, by the publication of the Committee's reports.

The Members are subject to Section 1(1)(b) of the Official Secrets Act 1989 and have access to highly classified material in carrying out their duties. The Committee takes evidence from Cabinet Ministers and senior officials – all of which is used to formulate its reports.


Recent Announcements

The Committee's most recent announcements are displayed below. For earlier announcements, or to see more details/attachments, please select 'News Archive' from the navigation bar.
 
  • 7 December 2011
    The ISC has written to the Prime Minister's National Security Adviser in response to the Government's Green Paper on Justice and Security.  A copy of the letter is attached.
    Posted 20 Dec 2011 04:35 by ISC Admin
  • 19 October 2011
    The Green Paper on Justice and Security was laid before Parliament today by the Secretary of State for Justice.  The Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP, has issued the following statement:

    "I strongly welcome the publication today of the Government’s Green Paper on Justice and Security.

    The risk of our courts disclosing foreign intelligence material, which allies had presumed to be shared in confidence, is extremely concerning. This undermines the ‘control principle’ – a key facet of intelligence sharing relationships – and risks damaging our national security. Additional protection for intelligence material is urgently needed. Yet it is also crucial, in the interests of justice, that the courts have access to all the relevant material in forming their judgments. Striking the right balance between keeping secrets secret and ensuring fairness in our courts is at the heart of this important consultation. The Intelligence and Security Committee will examine the Government’s proposals in detail, and respond in due course.

    The Green Paper also contains proposals for reform of the oversight arrangements for the UK intelligence community. I am pleased that the Government has accepted the vast majority of the Intelligence and Security Committee’s own proposals in its Green Paper published today. This is a strong endorsement of our desire to modernise and strengthen parliamentary oversight of the intelligence community in this country. If implemented in full, the ISC will become a Committee of Parliament with greater authority, effectiveness, resources and credibility. It will significantly enhance oversight of the United Kingdom intelligence community in a manner in which Parliament and the public can have full confidence. These are significant reforms which I hope will earn widespread support."

    Copies of the Green Paper and the Committee's Press Release are attached.
    Posted 19 Oct 2011 07:47 by ISC Admin
  • 12 October 2011
    The Government's Response to the Intelligence and Security Committee’s Annual Report for 2010-2011 was laid before Parliament today by the Prime Minister. A copy of the Government's Response can be found here.
    Posted 12 Oct 2011 05:19 by ISC Admin
  • 5 September 2011
    The Chairman of the ISC, Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP, has issued the following statement on behalf of the Committee:
    “The Intelligence and Security Committee is considering allegations made about the relationship between the UK security and intelligence Agencies and the Libyan security services. The Committee has requested clarification from the Agencies as to the nature and extent of intelligence-sharing with the Libyan security services, and the rendition of Libyan nationals.”
    Posted 5 Sep 2011 10:40 by ISC Admin
  • 13 July 2011
    The Intelligence and Security Committee’s Annual Report for 2010-2011 was laid before Parliament today by the Prime Minister. The Report covers the whole range of the Agencies’ activities including matters such as the 2010 Spending Review, cyber security and the Olympics. The Committee has also this year conducted a root-and-branch review of its role, structure, remit and powers. The Report therefore also covers our proposals for reform of the Intelligence and Security Committee, to provide more effective, credible and transparent oversight of the UK intelligence community.

    The Report can be found here. The Committee has also issued the attached Press Release. It is expected that the Government will publish its formal response in the autumn.
    Posted 13 Jul 2011 03:01 by ISC Admin
Showing posts 1 - 5 of 18. View more »

Sign in  |  Terms  |  Report Abuse  |  Print page  |  Powered by Google Sites