Intelligence and Security Committee
From SR
Contents |
History and Roles
The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) was established by the Intelligence Services Act 1994 and serves to examine the policy, administration and expenditure of:
- the Security Service
- the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS)
- the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
- the work of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) and the Intelligence and Security Secretariat, which includes the Assessments Staff in the Cabinet Office.
The Committee also takes evidence from the Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS), part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which assists the Committee in respect of work within the Committee's remit.
Reporting Hierarchy
The Prime Minister, in consultation with the leaders of the two main opposition parties, appoints the ISC members. The Committee reports directly to the Prime Minister, and through him to Parliament, by the publication of the Committee's reports.
The Members are subject to Section 1(b) of the Official Secrets Act 1989 and have access to highly classified material in carrying out their duties. The Committee takes evidence from Cabinet Ministers and senior officials – all of which is used to formulate its reports.
Current Members
- Margaret Beckett (chair)
- Ben Chapman
- George Howarth
- Dari Taylor
- The Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
- Michael Mates
- Michael Ancram
- Richard Ottaway
- Sir Alan Beith
Documents
The ISC has produced a report into the London Terrorist Attacks on 7 July 2005 (published May 2006) and on Tuesday 8 July 2008 submitted its Review of the Intelligence on the London Terrorist Attacks on 7 July 2005 to the Prime Minister.
