No 10 repeats Rudd's call for authorities to access encrypted messages

Downing Street backs home secretary's call for agencies to have access to WhatsApp and other encrypted messaging apps if necessary

Downing Street has reiterated that the government would like to see police and intelligence agencies given access to messages on WhatsApp and other encrypted social media services, despite widespread doubts as to whether this would be practicable.

It came as Theresa May used a trip to Scotland to stress the need for police forces to work closely together to prevent terrorism attacks like that in Westminster last week.