MPs to question spy chiefs about Edward Snowden leaks

Spy chiefs are to be questioned about snooping activities when they give evidence at a parliamentary committee in public for the first time.

MI6 chief Sir John Sawers, MI5 director general Andrew Parker and GCHQ director Sir Iain Lobban, will appear before the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) next month.

They will “inevitably” be questioned about the classified material leaked by Edward Snowden about UK and US intelligence operations, ISC member Hazel Blears said.

The session on 7 November will be broadcast but with a short time delay to allow anything that “might endanger national security or the safety of those working for the agencies” to be cut.