Menu
17/02/2009
Ex-MI5 Boss Accuses Govt Of 'Exploiting Fear Of Terrorism'
Former head of MI5 Dame Stella Rimington has accused the Government of exploiting people's fear of terrorism to restrict civil liberties.
In an interview with Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, the 73-year-old, first female head of the Security Service, said people in Britain felt like they were living "under a police state".
Dame Stella, who stood down as MI5's Director General in 1996 also attacked the United States approach, saying they had "gone too far with Guantanamo and the tortures".
She added: "MI5 does not do that. Furthermore it has achieved the opposite effect - there are more and more suicide terrorists finding a greater justification."
"It would be better that the government recognised that there are risks, rather than frightening people in order to be able to pass laws which restrict civil liberties, precisely one of the objects of terrorism - that we live in fear and under a police state," Dame Stella said.
The former Security Services boss has been a harsh critic of the Government's policies, in recent years, including attempts to extend pre-charge detention for terror suspects to 42 days as well as the controversial ID cards plan.
She added: "The US has gone too far with Guantanamo and the tortures. MI5 does not do that. Furthermore it has achieved the opposite effect - there are more and more suicide terrorists finding a greater justification."
Dame Stella's criticisms come as a report by a panel of leading judges and lawyers said measures to tackle terrorism have undermined international human rights laws.
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) accused both the UK and US of undermining the framework of international law.
Former Irish President and president of ICJ, Mary Robinson, said: "Seven years after 9/11 it is time to take stock and to repeal abusive laws and policies enacted in recent years."
(JM/BMcC)
In an interview with Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, the 73-year-old, first female head of the Security Service, said people in Britain felt like they were living "under a police state".
Dame Stella, who stood down as MI5's Director General in 1996 also attacked the United States approach, saying they had "gone too far with Guantanamo and the tortures".
She added: "MI5 does not do that. Furthermore it has achieved the opposite effect - there are more and more suicide terrorists finding a greater justification."
"It would be better that the government recognised that there are risks, rather than frightening people in order to be able to pass laws which restrict civil liberties, precisely one of the objects of terrorism - that we live in fear and under a police state," Dame Stella said.
The former Security Services boss has been a harsh critic of the Government's policies, in recent years, including attempts to extend pre-charge detention for terror suspects to 42 days as well as the controversial ID cards plan.
She added: "The US has gone too far with Guantanamo and the tortures. MI5 does not do that. Furthermore it has achieved the opposite effect - there are more and more suicide terrorists finding a greater justification."
Dame Stella's criticisms come as a report by a panel of leading judges and lawyers said measures to tackle terrorism have undermined international human rights laws.
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) accused both the UK and US of undermining the framework of international law.
Former Irish President and president of ICJ, Mary Robinson, said: "Seven years after 9/11 it is time to take stock and to repeal abusive laws and policies enacted in recent years."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 November 2006
MI5 monitor 200 suspected UK terror cells
The head of MI5 has claimed that 200 terrorist groups and 1,600 individuals are under surveillance by the UK security service. MI5 chief Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller said that security service are aware of 30 possible plots, and cautioned that the threat to UK security is "serious and growing.
MI5 monitor 200 suspected UK terror cells
The head of MI5 has claimed that 200 terrorist groups and 1,600 individuals are under surveillance by the UK security service. MI5 chief Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller said that security service are aware of 30 possible plots, and cautioned that the threat to UK security is "serious and growing.
19 November 2007
Queen's Diamond Anniversary Celebrations Underway
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have started celebrations in advance of their 60th wedding anniversary tomorrow with a service at Westminster Abbey. More than 2,000 people attended today's service, which included more than 30 family members, such as Prince William, who gave a reading.
Queen's Diamond Anniversary Celebrations Underway
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have started celebrations in advance of their 60th wedding anniversary tomorrow with a service at Westminster Abbey. More than 2,000 people attended today's service, which included more than 30 family members, such as Prince William, who gave a reading.
21 May 2007
Survey reveals violence fear among schoolchildren
Many secondary schoolchildren see violence as a "major problem" for young people, a new survey has revealed. The NSPCC survey of 11 - 16-year-olds found that 42% of children had been hit, punched or kicked at secondary school.
Survey reveals violence fear among schoolchildren
Many secondary schoolchildren see violence as a "major problem" for young people, a new survey has revealed. The NSPCC survey of 11 - 16-year-olds found that 42% of children had been hit, punched or kicked at secondary school.
10 August 2005
Judges warn licensing changes could increase violence
The government’s controversial new licensing laws could lead to an increase in rapes, domestic violence and serious assaults. Judges have warned. A report by the Council of Her Majesty’s Circuit Judges warned that alcohol-fuelled crime could rise once the new licensing laws, which allow 24-hour drinking, come into effect on November 24.
Judges warn licensing changes could increase violence
The government’s controversial new licensing laws could lead to an increase in rapes, domestic violence and serious assaults. Judges have warned. A report by the Council of Her Majesty’s Circuit Judges warned that alcohol-fuelled crime could rise once the new licensing laws, which allow 24-hour drinking, come into effect on November 24.
27 March 2014
Being Overweight Is Becoming Normal - Report
Being overweight is becoming normal as the majority of our adult population is overweight or obese, according to Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies. This is according to her latest annual report on the state of the public’s health.
Being Overweight Is Becoming Normal - Report
Being overweight is becoming normal as the majority of our adult population is overweight or obese, according to Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies. This is according to her latest annual report on the state of the public’s health.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
