Donald Macintyre's Sketch: Theresa May's masterclass in the art of politics

May's response to a report critical of her spy plans was pure gold

Theresa May speaking in the Commons (PA)

This was a masterclass in equivocation. When you’ve been around in a top job as long as Theresa May, you can make your response to a report you’ve asked for – but which has some conclusions you’re distinctly iffy about – look almost easy.

First, of course, you personally thank the QC and intelligence watchdog who produced it, David Anderson, for his “thoroughness and dedication”.

And you naturally stress the bits you like – such as the report’s highlighting of “the range of threats against the UK and its interests from terrorism, both at home and overseas, to cyber attacks from criminals”.

Then you mention there are several other reports – including one from the parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee – contradicting an Anderson recommendation you’re doubtful about, namely giving judges the say on individual interception warrants. And emphasise that all of these contributions will “provide a firm basis for consultation on legislation”.

And when, as your Labour shadow Yvette Cooper points out, the Anderson report says “there should be no question of progressing proposals for the compulsory retention of third-party data before a compelling operational case for it has been made out (as it has not been to date)”, you nuance it skilfully, saying: ah, he’s not ruling it out but merely arguing “he would like to see a better case made for it than has been made in the past”.

The Tory David Davis wasn’t having this. Especially the “excellent” report’s proposal on judges authorising intercepts. “This country relies on ministerial authorisation more than any other country in the world, with the possible exception of Zimbabwe,” he said.

May’s reply was a classic. There were relations between the executive and judiciary to consider. “I don’t intend to say that the Government are going to do one thing or another. It is right that we reflect more fully on these aspects.”

Luckily Dominic Grieve, sacked as Attorney General after opposing the repeal of the Human Rights Act, was more helpful.

He “greatly welcomed” the “Government’s move towards a new legislative framework,” and added, “we should give our agencies the powers they need to protect us which they have been doing very well and ethically.” Could it just be that Grieve is being lined up by No 10 as the new Intelligence and Security Committee chairman after all? At least he hasn’t tried to chair the Justice Committee where he could have been a real pain on the human rights issue.