Nigel Farage turned down taxpayer-funded security including bodyguard, car and driver last year - UK politics live
UK government minister Catherine Atkinson addressed the Commons regarding a new bill, clarifying that it does not alter national security protocols or override the Official Secrets Act. She also discussed the government's intention to expand the 'duty of candour' to various public service investigations.
Why it matters
The clarification addresses concerns about the legal implications of new legislation on national security and public accountability.
In the Commons Catherine Atkinson , the victims minister, rejected suggestions the bill would endanger national security.
In her speech opening the report stage debate, she said:
double quotation mark Nothing in this bill or its practical effect changes our position in relation to national security.
Many in our public services work in sensitive roles, where revealing their identity could put them at risk, or others at risk.
The bill does not require anyone to breach any other law – it expressly states that it does not override existing legislation, including the Official Secrets Act 1989.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in