Statement from Mims Davies MP regarding today's unveiling of the Investigatory Powers Bill:
“This bill is a balanced, transparent piece of legislation that will help to keep this country safe while offering the checks and balances needed to safeguard the public’s right to privacy.
"It's clear the Home Secretary has listened to concerns on this sensitive issue and come up with a proposal that strikes the right balance, and one that offers judicial oversight of data collection.
“The powers it proposes will be used to catch those suspected of serious crimes and is vital in a modern world where these people operate in cyberspace and on social media.
“I was delighted that the bill received so much support from across the House of Commons. This was because everyone recognises something must be done to equip our security services and the police with the tools to do the job.
“Put simply: this is something that must be done if we are to keep our children safe.
“In the last 12 months alone, six terrorism plots have been disrupted in the UK. We also have cyber attacks to contend with and the increasing problem of organised crime, with an estimated 5000 gangs active in Britain. This legislation cannot come too soon."