NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE
British Foreign Secretary William Hague has said that the idea that the UK spied on vast numbers of its citizens using the United States `Prism' system is `fanciful' and `nonsense'.
However the Celtic League has reminded him that the United Kingdom has `form' in relation to this sort of behaviour and he might like to rethink his words (see below)
William Hague MP
Secretary of State
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH
09/06/13
Dear Minister,
I read with interest comments you made in relation to revelations that allegations about British involvement in the covert gathering of information on citizens via the `Prism system' was `fanciful' and nonsense.
I feel sure that you have not led such a sheltered political life as to be unaware of the case brought against the United Kingdom by `Liberty and other' in the European Court of Human Rights some years ago when it was alleged that the UK had constructed a purpose built spying facility at Capenhurst in Cheshire (since demolished) to undertake mass surveillance of telephone communications at that time between Ireland the UK and the continent?
To help jog your memory I enclose the relevant link to the ECHR judgement against the UK.
In that instance the facility constructed in 1990 was capable of intercepting several thousands calls simultaneously and I think we can safely assume technology has moved on exponentially.
It does not take to great a leap of imagination to assume that if the United Kingdom was prepared to surreptitiously spy on large numbers of the citizens of a neighbouring State it might one day extend that disregard for human rights to its own citizens.
It seems that day has come!
J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League
Related link on Celtic News;
Information and pic of the (now demolished) Capenhurst spy tower:
J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
09/06/13
For comment or clarification on this news item in the first instance contact:
General Secretary, Celtic League:
gensec@celticleague.net
The General Secretary will determine the appropriate branch or General Council Officer to respond to your query.
ISSUED BY THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE.
The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues
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