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Clegg criticises Draft Communications Data Bill

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Nick Clegg has announced that the Draft Communications Data Bill needs a "fundamental rethink" following pans to give intelligence services access to all internet user activity in the UK.

The Deputy Prime Minister has said he would block the Draft Communications Data Bill which he says cannot proceed, with plans to ensure a balance between freedom of information and security.

The news comes following an MP committee meeting whereby the bill was criticised after the Home Office suggested the move must be taken to prevent terrorism.

Under these plans, internet providers can store all online communication details in the UK, giving external sources access to data such as time, duration, originator and recipient of communication. Police would not have to seek any further access to gain this information but would need a warrant to see the content of any personal messages.

"It is for those reasons that I believe the coalition government needs to have a fundamental rethink about this legislation. We cannot proceed with this bill and we have to go back to the drawing board," Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg told the BBC.

"The committee did not, however, suggest that nothing needs to be done. They were very clear that there is a problem that must be addressed to give law enforcement agencies the powers they need to fight crime. I agree.

"But that must be done in a proportionate way that gets the balance between security and liberty right."

Home Secretary Theresa May has argued that the bill is vital for keeping watch over paedophiles, frauds and extremists, but ministers have warned that this could lead to "potentially limitless categories of data" unless the bill is amended.

MP's argued that the bill is "insufficient attention to the duty to respect the right to privacy" and went "much further than it need or should for the purpose of providing necessary and justifiable official access to communications data."

Theresa May would like the bill in place by next year.

"This legislation is vital to help catch paedophiles, terrorists and other serious criminals and we are pleased both scrutiny committees have recognised the need for new laws," a Home Office Spokesperson told the BBC.

"We have now considered the committees' recommendations carefully and we will accept the substance of them all. But there can be no delay to this legislation. It is needed by law enforcement agencies now."


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