Torture appeal lost by UK government

[Jan Klimkowski]

Jonathan Sumption QC told the judges it would be "exceptionally damaging" if published because it would give the impression "that the Security Service does not in fact operate a culture that respects human rights or abjures participation in coercive interrogation techniques".

He said the paragraph would be read as meaning that "officials of the Service deliberately misled the Intelligence and Security Committee" in a way that "reflects a culture of suppression in its dealings with the committee, the foreign secretary and indirectly the court".

The words to which Mr Sumption objected did not appear in the version of the judgement that was eventually published.

(snip)

(MI5 head) Mr Evans said MI5 was protecting the country from "enemies" who would use "all the tools at their disposal", including propaganda.

He wrote in an article in the Telegraph: "We will do all that we can to keep the country safe from terrorist attack. We will use all the powers available to us under the law.

"For their part, our enemies will also seek to use all tools at their disposal to attack us. That means not just bombs, bullets and aircraft but also propaganda."

Is the head of MI5 accusing the judges of the Court of Appeal of being "enemies" and "terrorists" who will "seek to use all tools at their disposal to attack us. That means not just bombs, bullets and aircraft but also propaganda"?

"Heaven help us", shrieks Tony 'I'm a pretty straight sort of guy' Blair. "Is nothing sacred? MI5 are informing me that Al Qaeda are sitting on the ancient benches of the Court of Appeal, at the very heart of the British establishment, dressed in wigs and ermine.

"Where's Alastair? We need Campbell to produce a dossier exposing these evil fiends who threaten to destroy the very values of western civilization. It's a conspiracy I tell thee, a demonic conspiracy."

:evil: