Prime minister (Andy ): I have today laid before both
Houses a copy of the Annual Report of the Investigatory Powers
Commissioner, The Rt Hon The of Liverpool. This report
covers the activities of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's
Office (IPCO) and the Technology Advisory Panel for 2025.
The Investigatory Powers Commissioner provides independent
oversight of the use of investigatory powers, as outlined in the
Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016. This oversight encompasses
the inspection and authorisation by Judicial Commissioners of the
use of these powers by over 600 public authorities. This includes
the intelligence and security services and law enforcement
agencies.
Overall, the report provides a positive assessment of the use of
investigatory powers during the reporting period, finding that
they continue to be exercised in accordance with the IPA 2016 and
other relevant legislation. notes the strong commitment
to compliance demonstrated by those authorities within his remit,
and their constructive engagement with IPCO's oversight regime.
While the report identifies a number of issues and areas for
improvement, he is satisfied that our agencies and departments
are working with IPCO to address these.
Maintaining public trust and confidence in the exercise of
investigatory powers is vital for national security and public
safety. This report demonstrates the high quality of oversight of
our intelligence and security services and public authorities'
use of the most intrusive powers. I am satisfied that our
oversight arrangements are amongst the strongest and most
effective in the world.
Alongside its core authorisation and oversight functions, IPCO
took on a significant additional responsibility in 2025: leading
the independent investigation into the Agent X case following the
High Court's judgment. and his team have delivered
this important work while continuing to discharge their
day-to-day responsibilities to the highest standard.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to , the Judicial Commissioners
and the IPCO team for their hard work throughout 2025. Their
professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment help ensure
that the UK remains a world leader in the oversight of
investigatory powers.
In accordance with section 234(6)(b) of the IPA, I wish to notify
both Houses that there is material considered too sensitive for
the open report, on which I have been briefed separately. The
contents of this open report are not prejudicial to national
security or ongoing investigations.
I will be sending a copy of this report to Scottish Ministers, as
required under section 234(8) of the IPA.
