DATA RETENTION: HARVIE RAISES MASS SURVEILLANCE CONCERNS
Patrick Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow, is welcoming comments by Scotland's justice secretary on the emergency surveillance laws passed at Westminster.
Mr Harvie yesterday questioned Kenny MacAskill about the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers (DRIP) Bill which was given approval last month without consultation with the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliament.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
"This legislation was rushed through while the Scottish Parliament was in recess, and I share the cabinet secretary's frustration at the process. He appeared to agree that mass surveillance of citizens by the state is a step too far.
"My Green colleague Caroline Lucas MP spoke out strongly against the Bill pushed through Westminster by the three big parties. It's unacceptable that MSPs are denied a say.
"In the event of independence Scotland should take the opportunity to protect citizens’ privacy and improve the technical capability to prevent mass surveillance."