Consolidated Guidance on Detainees

Thank you for contacting me about the consolidated guidance on detainees.
 
The current consolidated guidance, published in 2010, sets out the principles for the interviewing of detainees overseas and the passing and receipt of intelligence relating to detainees.
 
Following the recommendations of Sir Mark Waller, the then Intelligence Services Commissioner (in his 2016 report on the Government's responsibilities in relation to partner counter-terrorism units overseas), the Government is working to identify what, if any, further changes could be made to the consolidated guidance. Please be assured that the Government has engaged with both the Intelligence Services Commissioner and Investigatory Powers Commissioner, to whom the Prime Minister has passed oversight of the guidance. In addition, the views of the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament have also been sought in the context of their current inquiry into detainee matters.
 
I know that the Government values the input of the Intelligence and Security Committee and the Commissioners who provide independent oversight of our intelligence agencies. I have been assured that the updated guidance paper will be made public and laid before Parliament once it has been finalised.
 
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.