Submissions on the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Bill

On Tuesday 26th June Richard Atkinson, Co-chair of the Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee presented oral evidence to the Public Bill Committee on the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Bill. In the session Richard shared insight and concerns on the following subjects: Legal Professional Privilege – the bill as drafted includes provisions for detainees to consult a solicitor only in the sight and hearing of a qualified officer which contradicts code H of Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the code of practice of Schedule 7. Lack of safeguards for items seized which might be subject to Legal Professional Privilege. Early access to a lawyer during examination at the border. Full transcript of the session can be viewed at https://www.theyworkforyou.com/pbc/2017-19/Counter-Terrorism_and_Border_Security_Bill/01-0_2018-06-26a.26.1