Anti-terror leak inquiry ‘in the public interest’
Opposition politicians and human rights groups have increased calls for an investigation into counter-terrorism leaks, after it was claimed media leaks comprised investigations.
The Conservatives have written to the cabinet secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell formally requesting an inquiry into the leaking of counter-terrorism operations in Birmingham on January 31st.
The Liberal Democrats are also calling on West Midlands police to investigate the matter, claiming unofficial media briefings may have breached the Official Secrets Act.
Peter Clarke, the deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan police, complained this week of the “deliberate leaking of highly sensitive operational intelligence” in relation to the Birmingham operation.
He warned this could “compromise investigations” and “in the worst cases they put lives at risk”, pointing out it could also have been a criminal offence.
Tony Blair has insisted ministers or civil servants are not responsible for the leaks, but so far has refused to confirm this with an official inquiry.
The shadow home secretary David Davis said he and shadow attorney general Dominic Greive had received a letter from Sir David Norminghton, permanent secretary to the Home Office, stating clearly that his civil servants had not commented on operational matters.
The home secretary John Reid also insisted Home Office staff had not briefed the media.
But the Conservatives accused Mr Blair of softening these assurances yesterday, when he told MPs “the only guarantee that I can give is that, as far as I am aware, they did not”
Mr Davis argued to Sir Gus that a formal inquiry is in the public interest.
“Given the numerous leak inquiries under this government, including on matters as trivial as the disclosure of the wallpaper in Number Ten Downing Street, I would have thought it almost automatic to have an inquiry into a leak relating to counter-terrorism law enforcement,” wrote Mr Davis.
The Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg agreed there is the need for an “urgent investigation” into the source of the Birmingham leaks.
Mr Clegg has written to the West Midlands police chief constable reminding him of the Official Secrets Act, which prohibits the release of information that impedes the prevention or detection of offences.
The circumstances of this leak could have breached the act, the Lib Dems argue, seeking assurances West Midlands police will investigate whether a criminal offence has occurred.
“We need to know urgently whether these briefings stemmed from Whitehall and the Government, in which case political accountability for such a spectacular misjudgement is inescapable,” said Mr Clegg.
The human rights group Liberty has welcomed the widespread condemnation of the leaks. The charity revealed it has already sent a Freedom of Information request to the Home Office, seeking to clarify its policies on briefings, and is expecting a response on May 3rd.
Liberty director Shami Chakrabarti said: “Secret off the record anti-terror briefings not only heighten public fear but also undermine police operations, prejudice fair trials and isolate communities who could provide key intelligence.
“There is grave danger of party politics trumping public safety considerations if political staff do indeed play a role in off the record media briefings during these anti-terror operations.”
