Investigatory Powers Bill: Snoopers’ Charter is unclear and gives spies powers that they don’t need, influential parliamentary inquiry concludes

The committee has been criticised for not being critical enough on the Government, but said that the new bill appeared to have been written in a rush

Theresa May: 'Theresa May, the Home Secretary, argued: “There should be no area of cyberspace which is a haven for those who seek to harm us to plot, poison minds and peddle hatred' (PA)

One of parliament’s most senior committees has criticised the Government’s proposed snooping powers, saying that the bill enabling them was rushed and gives spies far too few protections.

The influential Intelligence and Security Committee has said that the landmark Investigatory Powers Bill gives spies far too many powers.

In particular, it drew attention to rules that allow for bulk equipment interference — spies being allowed to hack into phones and other devices on a mass scale, and requiring that companies help them. It said that the bill was unclear about how these warrants might work and tha tit was “not convinced as to the requirement for them”.

The government had hoped to pass the bill early this year, renewing powers that are set to soon expire. But the new report could be a major blow for the government’s hopes to get the bill through parliament quickly and smoothly.

It said the proposals in their current form represent a "missed opportunity" and called for ministers to make a number of substantial changes.

It described the approach in the Bill towards security services' examination of communications data - the who, when and where but not the content of an email or phone call - as "inconsistent and largely incomprehensible".

Tory MP Dominic Grieve, chairman of the committee, said: "The issues under consideration are undoubtedly complex, however it has been evident that even those working on the legislation have not always been clear as to what the provisions are intended to achieve."

Mr Grieve added: "The draft Bill appears to have suffered from a lack of sufficient time and preparation."

Additional reporting by Press Association