UK calls, texts and internet data to be stored

An emergency law is being passed in the UK to allow police and security services to continue to monitor the phone and internet records of the British public…

The controversial legislation is being rushed through the British parliament after the European Court of Justice struck down existing powers which made phone companies store when and who their customers called, texted and emailed.

But ministers say these powers are vital to maintain national security.

Our UK correspondent Dan Whitehead reports…

IN: Calls, texts...
OUT: …SOC.
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SCRIPT:

VO 1: Calls, texts and internet records...

All will be stored by web and phone companies for 12 months, after the British government tabled an emergency law.

The legislation is being rushed through after the European Court of Justice struck down existing powers ensuring companies stored communication data…claiming there was a lack of necessary safeguards.

The government denies that - with the Prime Minister David Cameron saying this is about maintaining existing capabilities...

SOT 1: David Cameron, Prime Minister

VO 2: The government claims this law must be rushed through in order to maintain national security.

But many say if it's this urgent - then now is the time to have a full discussion over just how the government and security agencies such as Mi5 monitor the British public.

The government tried to introduce even tough surveillance measures - including a database of websites visited by every UK citizen - but it was blocked by other politicians.

Rachel Robinson from campaign group Liberty says this rushed decision is yet another move towards a so-called 'snoopers charter' …

SOT 2: Rachel Robinson, Liberty

VO 4: This emergency law will likely come into effect next week, but ends in 2016, after the next year's general election.

Parties have agreed a full and wider discussion about communication monitoring will be then held.

Dan Whitehead, London