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Theresa Villiers refused MI5 surveillance warrants, watchdog reveals Theresa Villiers refused MI5 surveillance warrants, watchdog reveals
(about 11 hours later)
MI5 has twice been refused warrants for surveillance by the Northern Ireland secretary, the watchdog overseeing the intelligence services says. The Northern Ireland secretary has twice refused MI5 surveillance warrant requests, the watchdog overseeing the intelligence services says.
The Intelligence Services Commissioner (ISC) said Theresa Villiers had denied requests for two urgent warrants.The Intelligence Services Commissioner (ISC) said Theresa Villiers had denied requests for two urgent warrants.
Sir Mark Waller said he was content with the way warrants were being used in Northern Ireland.Sir Mark Waller said he was content with the way warrants were being used in Northern Ireland.
He carries out annual formal inspections, including at the Northern Ireland Office (NIO).He carries out annual formal inspections, including at the Northern Ireland Office (NIO).
He said the NIO took great care when considering requests from the counter-terrorism agency and that paperwork was in good order.He said the NIO took great care when considering requests from the counter-terrorism agency and that paperwork was in good order.
But Sir Mark expressed concern about the breadth of language used to define the subjects on two urgent warrants - one of which included intrusive surveillance.But Sir Mark expressed concern about the breadth of language used to define the subjects on two urgent warrants - one of which included intrusive surveillance.
He said after challenging the NIO he was "reassured that they were keeping a very close eye on the use of the warrants and that the Secretary of State expected to be notified of any use".He said after challenging the NIO he was "reassured that they were keeping a very close eye on the use of the warrants and that the Secretary of State expected to be notified of any use".
His only recommendation is around the way warrants are renewed, and the report states that "the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland shows a keen interest in the case for necessity and proportionality".His only recommendation is around the way warrants are renewed, and the report states that "the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland shows a keen interest in the case for necessity and proportionality".
Last year, secret recordings by MI5 led to the arrest of 12 men in Newry who were accused of dissident republican activity.Last year, secret recordings by MI5 led to the arrest of 12 men in Newry who were accused of dissident republican activity.