Julian has written to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to ask them to investigate whether the Guardian has broken the law in its handling of intelligence information.
The MP’s letter to Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe follows the revelations that the newspaper and its editors have apparently admitted copying and distributing leaked intelligence service documents to individuals and organisations abroad.
Mr Smith says in his letter:
“The Guardian newspaper and its editors have admitted that they did more than receive detailed information on UK and US intelligence services and report upon it.
“In online discussions they have revealed that they copied and distributed files to individuals and organisations abroad. If that is the case it goes beyond journalism to a breach of the Official Secrets Act. Furthermore, it seems highly likely that they have communicated details of intelligence personnel internationally. If true, this puts our dedicated agents, and their families at risk.
“Under Section 58A of the Terrorism Act 2000, it is itself a terrorist offence to communicate information about any member of the intelligence services which may be of use to terrorists.
“I am writing to urge the Metropolitan Police to investigate whether the materials the Guardian communicated contained the names of any person working for the intelligence services including GCHQ and if indeed the law was broken in other ways.”
Mr Smith concludes:
“Finally, I would be grateful if you can also confirm that the Guardian is giving the Metropolitan Police every possible assistance to facilitate access and analysis of encrypted files including encryption keys and passwords in the Guardian’s possession. If it is not please can you assure me that the Metropolitan Police will use every power available to compel the newspaper to do so, in the interest of National Security.”