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Cameron urged to have 'proper oversight' of secret services Cameron urged to have 'proper oversight' of secret services
(35 minutes later)
Ed Miliband has urged the government to ensure "proper oversight" of the security services, following claims the US listened to phone calls by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.Ed Miliband has urged the government to ensure "proper oversight" of the security services, following claims the US listened to phone calls by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The Labour leader told MPs there were "deep concerns" over the allegations.The Labour leader told MPs there were "deep concerns" over the allegations.
But Prime Minister David Cameron said the UK intelligence services worked "under the law" and had foiled dozens of terrorist threats in recent years.But Prime Minister David Cameron said the UK intelligence services worked "under the law" and had foiled dozens of terrorist threats in recent years.
German media say the US has been tapping Ms Merkel's phone since 2002.German media say the US has been tapping Ms Merkel's phone since 2002.
But the White House insists Mr Cameron's communications have not been monitored. The White House insists Mr Cameron's communications have not been monitored.
Allegations that US agencies engaged in widespread tapping of phone calls by prominent European politicians dominated the two-day European Council summit in Brussels.Allegations that US agencies engaged in widespread tapping of phone calls by prominent European politicians dominated the two-day European Council summit in Brussels.
Mr Cameron signed up to a statement from all 28 EU leaders calling for the rebuilding of trust with the United States.Mr Cameron signed up to a statement from all 28 EU leaders calling for the rebuilding of trust with the United States.
'Secret mourning'
Briefing the Commons on the event, he said the UK and US had "a relationship based on trust".Briefing the Commons on the event, he said the UK and US had "a relationship based on trust".
He added: "In terms of our own intelligence services... we don't comment on their work, but they have parliamentary scrutiny (by a special select committee which does not publicise its findings)."He added: "In terms of our own intelligence services... we don't comment on their work, but they have parliamentary scrutiny (by a special select committee which does not publicise its findings)."
Mr Cameron also said: "Our agencies work under the law."Mr Cameron also said: "Our agencies work under the law."
He added: "Of course, as technology develops, the threats we face evolve... (but) we have every reason to be proud of our intelligence agencies and the work they do."He added: "Of course, as technology develops, the threats we face evolve... (but) we have every reason to be proud of our intelligence agencies and the work they do."
Mr Cameron said operatives "serve our country without any public recognition - some of them give their lives, but their loved ones must mourn in secret". The prime minister told MPs that 330 people had been convicted of terror offences in British courts since the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US.
Mr Miliband replied: "I support our prime minister in in the support for the work of our intelligence services." He said: "Our intelligence officers serve our country without any pubic recognition. Some have given their lives in this service and yet their names are not known. Their loved ones must mourn in secret.
But he added: "We can all understand the deep concerns that recent reports have caused in some countries, such as Germany." "We owe them and every intelligence officer in our country an enormous debt of gratitude. They are silent heroes and heroines keeping out country safe. They deserve our support."
It was "right that every country ensures proper oversight of those activities". Mr Miliband joined Mr Cameron in endorsing the work of the intelligence services.
He said: "It is vital. It keeps us safe, and, as you said, by its very nature it goes unrecognised."
But he added: "I also support the summit statement on this issue - we can all understand the deep concerns recent reports have caused in some European countries, especially Germany.
"So. as well as providing that support for intelligence services, it is right every country ensures proper oversight of those activities."
US President Barack Obama is reported to have told Ms Merkel that he knew nothing of the operation when the two leaders spoke.
Germany is sending intelligence chiefs to Washington in the coming week to "push forward" an investigation into the spying allegations.