Bulk data collection vital to prevent terrorism in UK, report finds

Independent review of draft terrorism laws says there is strong case for allowing police and spy agencies to gather private data

The bulk collection of personal data by British spy agencies is vital in preventing terrorist attacks, an independent review of draft security legislation has found.

David Anderson QC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, concluded that laws giving MI5, MI6 and GCHQ the right to gather large volumes of data from members of the public had a "clear operational purpose".