Two Green Party parliamentarians are taking legal action against the Government over claims that their communications continue to be intercepted by GCHQ. Caroline Lucas MP and Baroness Jenny Jones have started legal proceedings at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), the tribunal which examines complaints about surveillance by the country’s intelligence agencies and other public bodies.
Lawyers will argue that there is a strong likelihood that both Ms Lucas and Baroness Jones’ communications are being intercepted as part of the Tempora programme exposed by CIA whistle-blower Edward Snowdon. Continue reading
The Greens have gained ten seats in Brighton and Hove to become the largest party on the Council with 23 seats. Labour held its 13 seats whilst the Lib Dems lost its only seat. The Tories, who were only three short of a majority prior to the election, lost eight leaving them on 18. Caroline Lucas will be delighted with the result since it represents a significant consolidation of her position as one of the authority’s MPs. The Greens also recorded English council gains in Norwich and a number of other places.