How did the SNP vote on the Investigatory Powers Bill?

The SNP voted against the UK government’s Investigatory Powers Bill. The Bill received royal assent while many of the SNP concerns were left unaddressed by the UK Government.

The SNP welcomed the Bill’s attempt to codify law enforcement’s existing powers and to provide an enhanced oversight regime. However, we feel it has fallen far short of its avowed goals. There are still a number of concerns that remain and in particular, we oppose the far-reaching bulk powers to acquire the personal and private data of our constituents. The majority of the contentious areas of the Bill relate to powers that are reserved to Westminster.

The SNP supports giving the security services and the police the necessary powers to fight serious crime and terrorism, but it is vital that any new powers are proportionate, focused, and in accordance with law.