Member

I fully recognise, as I am sure every noble Lord does, that covert human intelligence sources have a part to play in tackling serious crime. However, recognising that role is not the same as giving a blank cheque to the police or any other organisation. That is the current immunity-based system that we have, which not only risks doing this but has done it. At present, once authorisation is granted, the conduct authorised is decided lawful for all purposes—all. Does the noble Lord on the Government Front Bench hear that and understand how appallingly open that is to abuse?