Data (Use and Access) Bill [HL]
The Data (Use and Access) Bill [HL] is scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Commons on 12 February 2025.
![Data (Use and Access) Bill [HL]](https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/content/uploads/2020/08/consumers-568x426.jpg)
The Draft Investigatory Powers Bill, published in November 2015, seeks to update and consolidate the legal framework governing the interception of communications and the acquisition of communications data by intelligence and law enforcement agencies
Draft Investigatory Powers Bill (487 KB , PDF)
The Draft Investigatory Powers Bill was published by the Home Office on 4 November 2015. It seeks to update and consolidate existing legislation governing the use of investigatory powers, including the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
The Draft Bill follows the publication in 2015 of three significant reports on investigatory powers, by the Government’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation; the Royal United Services Institute; and the Intelligence and Security Committee. All three reports concluded that the current framework was outdated, unworkable and in need of reform. They highlighted the need for greater transparency, more stringent safeguards and better oversight.
A previous attempt to reform this area of law, the Draft Communications Data Bill 2012, was abandoned under the Coalition Government as a result of differences between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. The Draft Bill replicates a number of measures put forward in the Draft Communications Data Bill, but some of the more controversial proposals have been left out.
The Draft Bill makes provision for the issue of warrants for interception and equipment interference and for authorisations in relation to the acquisition of communications data. For the first time it requires that warrants should be subject to judicial, as well as ministerial, oversight. It also reforms the current oversight framework and provides for a right of appeal from the Investigatory Powers Tribunal.
Draft Investigatory Powers Bill (487 KB , PDF)
The Data (Use and Access) Bill [HL] is scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Commons on 12 February 2025.
A Westminster Hall debate on 'UK government advice on the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning when travelling' is scheduled for Thursday 11 February 2025, from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. The debate will be led by Dr Al Pinkerton MP.
There will be a Westminster Hall debate on rural crime on 27 February 2025. The debate will be opened by Ben Maguire MP.