Day: September 18, 2009

Home Secretaries down the ages always say that when they sign a warrant that allows the authorities to intercept the content of a communication, they consider the matter very seriously. And in fact Section 5 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) requires the Secretary of State not to issue an interception warrant unless he believes, that the warrant is proportionate and necessary either (a) in the interests of national security; or (b) for the purpose of preventing or