Clegg ‘was warned of Data Bill’s key role’

The Deputy Prime Minister blocked the inclusion of the Communications Data Bill – dubbed a “snooper’s charter” by critics – from the Queen’s Speech, claiming it was “disproportionate” and “unworkable”.

Pressure for the powers to be introduced re-intensified in the wake of the killing of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich.

Foreign Secretary William Hague told MPs on Monday there remained a “very strong case” to extend monitoring of online activity as he was quizzed over reported UK intelligence use of a secret US internet spy programme.

In a letter to Mr Clegg seen by the Sun newspaper and dated April 23, before the Queen’s Speech, Keir Starmer warned technological advances “are reducing the communications data we have had available under the current legislative framework”.

He added: “Investigators and prosecutors need to maintain the capability that we have, and if there is a reduction, there is a risk it may jeopardise future prosecutions,” the DPP told him.

“Communications data is used to support prosecutions for a range of criminal offences. But for cases such as counter terrorism, organised crime and large scale fraud, I would go so far as to say that communications data is so important that any reduction in capability would create a real risk to future prosecutions.

“It is also important evidence in cases such as offences such as stalking and harassment which can cause great distress to the individual victim. I will be sending you case studies as examples in due course.

“Of course there needs to be strong safeguards in place to ensure that communications data is not misused, and the existing legislative framework provides a good basis for proceeding and ensuring there is public confidence in how the data is utilised.”