Sadiq Khan MP and the Bugging Allegations
The Wilson doctrine established by edict of Harold Wilson in 1966 that Members of Parliament should not have their communications intercepted by intelligence agencies or the Police may or may not be a sensible convention of the constitution. However, it was re-stated by Tony Blair in a written statement in November 2006, and confirmed by Gordon Brown on becoming Prime Minister in July 2007. What does seem clear is that if the convention is due to end that that should be the subject of a statement to Parliament and a debate in Parliament. Clearly, allegations of the bugging of Sadiq Khan MP, if substantiated, will seriously undermine community relations in Britain. It may well be that the doctrine should be ended, but it should be ended by proper pronouncement in Parliament.
Also disturbing is the letter from David Davis MP, the Shadow Home Secretary, which seems to have gone astray. He raised the issue with the Prime Minister in December and had received no reply from the Prime Minister.
Whilst the Police and security services play a vital role in keeping us all safe, there must be proper accountability and there must be transparency in the way that these things are handled.
If the alleged breach of the doctrine has occurred, then this is serious both in view of the nature of the relationship between the Executive and Parliament and also inter-community relations.
