Spy Database Is 'Step Too far'

A proposed giant national database holding information about every phone call, email and internet visit made in the UK has been condemned by the Government's own terrorism watchdog.

Lord Carlile of Berriew QC, who fulfils a role as the independent reviewer of anti-terrorist laws, said the "raw idea" of the database was "awful" and called for controls to stop agencies using it to conduct fishing expeditions into the private lives of the public.

But, Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, is expected to signal the Government's intention to press ahead with the 'Big Brother' proposals to collect more details about people's phone, email and web-browsing habits as she warns that the terrorist threat to Britain is growing.

The controversial measure will be included as a way of combating terrorism in the Data Communications Bill, which is to be introduced in the Queen's Speech in December.

Ministers are already known to be considering the creation of a single database holding all the information, which would include phone numbers dialled and addresses to which emails are sent but not details of phone conversations or the contents of emails.

However, an increasing number of influential figures from across the political spectrum have expressed growing alarm over the scale of the proposals that would give the state unprecedented access into the lives of its citizens.

They are saying the move goes too far as, under the proposal, internet service providers and telecoms companies would hand over millions of phone and internet records to the Home Office, which would store them for at least 12 months so that the police and security services could access them.

It is understood that more than £1bn has been earmarked for the database.

Richard Thomas, who is the influential Information Commissioner, has described the plans as "a step too far for the British way of life".

His office later added: "It is clear that more needs to be done to protect people's personal information, but creating big databases... means you can never eliminate the risk that the data will fall into the wrong hands."

(BMcC)