Member

I understand that the security agencies had sought this kind of immunity for many years, but the Johnson Government spread the favour rather widely, granting it not just to their officers and agents but, for example, to the police and their assets in the community, including the criminal fraternity. To be clear, I understand the vital importance of such intelligence sources in infiltrating terrorist cells and organised criminal gangs. However, subsequent revelations from the spy cops scandal and the Mitting inquiry highlight the grave dangers of abuse by officers and agents sent to spy on their fellow citizens, sometimes building their legends for years on end, and often with no specific criminal investigation but only espionage and attempts to discredit in sight.