The Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament (ISC) is the committee of Parliament with statutory responsibility for oversight of the UK Intelligence Community.

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Authority

The Committee was established under the Intelligence Services Act 1994, but its powers were reinforced in the Justice and Security Act 2013.

Remit

Under the Justice and Security Act 2013 and the accompanying Memorandum of Understanding (which can be found at Annex A in the Committee’s Annual Report 2013-2014), the ISC oversees the policies, expenditure, administration and operations of MI5, MI6, GCHQ, Defence Intelligence, the Joint Intelligence Organisation, the National Security Secretariat (NSS) and Homeland Security Group.

The Committee sets its own agenda and work programme, taking evidence from Ministers, the Heads of the intelligence and security Agencies, senior officials, experts, and academics as it considers necessary.

Membership

The Committee consists of nine Members, drawn from both Houses of Parliament and appointed by Parliament. The Chair of the Committee is elected by its Members. The Members are subject to Section 1(1)(b) of the Official Secrets Act 1989 and are routinely given access to highly classified material in carrying out their duties.

Current Inquiries

The Committee is currently conducting Inquiries into:

  • national security issues relating to China;
  • International Partnerships;
  • Cloud technologies; and
  • national security issues relating to Iran.


News

For earlier news items, please select ‘More News’ from the bottom of this page, or ‘News’ from the navigation bar.

15 May 2023

The Committee has sent its Report, 'China', to the Prime Minister.

In accordance with the Justice and Security Act 2013, the Prime Minister must consider whether there is any information in the Report which, if published, would be prejudicial to the continued discharge of the functions of the security and intelligence agencies. In line with convention the Committee has requested that the Prime Minister respond within ten working days, i.e. by close of play on Tuesday 30 May.

14:00, 18 May 2023

13 March 2023

The ISC welcomes the publication of the third volume of the Manchester Arena Inquiry.

We express our deepest sympathies for the families whose lives have been permanently affected by this tragic event.

We will consider the Inquiry’s report thoroughly. We note Sir John Saunders’ statement that the ISC is the most suitable body to monitor any closed recommendations he might make. We will review those recommendations when he has finalised them, and - noting the wider remit of the Inquiry - will consider what further action by the ISC might be necessary.

13:12, 13 March 2023

8 February 2023

The following appeared on the House of Commons Votes and Proceedings record for yesterday (Tuesday 7 February 2023):

10 Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament

Resolved,

That Stewart Hosie be removed from the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament under Schedule 1 to the Justice and Security Act 2013 and Owen Thompson be appointed to that Committee under Section 1 of that Act.

17:07, 8 February 2023

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