The number of requests for UK ministerial approval for intelligence-sharing with overseas authorities where there is a real risk of torture, unlawful killing, or extraordinary rendition has more than doubled in a year.
The investigatory powers commissioner’s report reveals the rise in cases, with human rights group Reprieve stating that the increase to eight cases in 2022 is concerning.
The 95% figure refers to the entire spectrum of cases in which authorization is sought, with 104 in total in 2022, 17 of which had a real risk of cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment (CIDT).
UK government policy does not participate in, solicit, encourage, or condone any of these activities, but critics argue that the ministerial approval system contradicts this statement.
A recent Commons debate centred on the Investigatory Powers (Amendment) bill and the deliberation of a third new clause introduced by Conservative MP David Davis. This clause would establish an unequivocal prohibition on the transfer of information to an overseas authority in cases where torture or CIDT was a possibility.
“I am afraid that each year we see more cases in which the United Kingdom continues to share intelligence despite the grave risk of torture,” he told members of parliament.
