Britain's Secret Intelligence-Gathering Practices Under Scrutiny at EU Meeting

Strategic Insights -

A controversy surrounding electronic eavesdropping and intelligence-sharing is set to dominate an EU meeting in Brussels, with Britain's practices coming under intense scrutiny. The issue has been fueled by revelations about Echelon, a network of satellites and listening posts that reportedly intercept millions of telephone, fax, and email messages. British officials have attempted to deflect attention from the issue by highlighting the role of a sniffer dog named Fido in detecting a shipment of heroin at Heathrow Airport, but critics argue that this is merely a diversion from the fact that Britain shares intelligence with the US, but not with its European partners.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union is set to discuss the issue of electronic eavesdropping at an upcoming meeting in Brussels, with Britain's practices coming under scrutiny.
  • Echelon, a network of satellites and listening posts, reportedly intercepts millions of telephone, fax, and email messages, and has been accused of being used to spy on European companies.
  • British officials have claimed that the interception of communications is covered by strict guidelines, ministerial control, and parliamentary oversight, and that the intelligence is not shared for commercial advantage.
  • Critics argue that Britain is trying to divert attention from the fact that it shares intelligence with the US, but not with its European partners.
  • The issue has been fueled by revelations about Echelon, and has raised concerns about the lack of trust between Britain and the rest of the EU over the special relationship with the Americans.
  • The controversy has wider implications, including Britain's stance on Iraq and its support for the US's national missile defense system.

Statistics:

  • Echelon reportedly intercepts millions of telephone, fax, and email messages.
  • Britain is the only EU member to actively back the US over Iraq.
  • Only 14 out of the 27 EU member states receive intelligence co-operation from Britain.
  • The Centre for European Reform estimates that Britain generates around 70% of EU intelligence.

Sources:

  • The Guardian, "Fido the sniffer dog: a heart-warming story about a canine coup"
  • The Guardian, "MPs raise questions over British intelligence-gathering"
  • Centre for European Reform, "The European Union and intelligence sharing"
  • Jack Straw, remarks to fellow interior ministers at the EU meeting in Brussels.