This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34276525
The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| MI5 boss describes UK terror threat | MI5 boss describes UK terror threat |
| (34 minutes later) | |
| The head of MI5 has described how technological advances are increasing the challenge faced by the security service in monitoring terror suspects. | |
| Andrew Parker told the BBC's Today programme the intelligence services were "focused on the people who mean us harm" and not checking people's personal information. | |
| He said six terror attempts had been foiled in the past 12 months. | |
| It is the first time a serving head of MI5 has done a live interview. | It is the first time a serving head of MI5 has done a live interview. |
| Mr Parker said online data encryption was creating a situation where the police and intelligence agencies "can no longer obtain under proper legal warrant the communication of people they believe to be terrorists". | |
| He said it was a "very serious" issue adding: "It's in nobody's interests that terrorists should be able to plot and communicate out of the reach of authorities." | |
| Ministers are currently preparing legislation on the powers given to intelligence agencies to carry out electronic surveillance. | |
| But Mr Parker said what should be included in new legislation was a matter "for parliament to decide". | |
| "It is completely for ministers to propose, and parliament to decide. It's a fundamental point about what MI5 is. It's for us to follow what's set by parliament, and that's what we do." | |
| He also rejected the suggestion that security service tactics can lead to radicalisation in some targets and played down fears about extremists entering Europe among the thousands of refugees from Syria.. |