We’ve revealed how clauses in the National Security Bill risk allowing Ministers – and other UK officials – to get away with torture tip-offs. The UK Government is pushing this Bill through Parliament this Wednesday, 16 November.
Clause 27 will help UK Ministers and Officials escape consequences if they order, encourage or assist crimes overseas; crimes like ordering unlawful assassinations or providing information to foreign states which could lead to someone being tortured.
And Clauses 79-83 could mean the UK Government could avoid paying damages in future cases like that of our client Jagtar Singh Johal – where UK minister MI5 and MI6 may have shared intelligence with Indian authorities that resulted in Jagtar’s torture and detention.
The UK Government has rightly condemned atrocities such as the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the attempted killing of Sergei Skripal. The National Security Bill would undermine the UK’s moral authority in condemning such crimes - and open up the UK to charges of hypocrisy. This is wrong.
Add your name demanding that UK Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat, removes clause 27 and clauses 78-83 from the Bill so it doesn’t risk allowing Ministers and officials to get away with torture tip-offs.
