UK spying laws could result in overreach and real harm, says review

Jonathan Hall KC warns of people being wrongly investigated and of impact on journalists and thinktanks

Espionage offences in the UK’s new National Security Act are so broadly defined that they “will result in cases of real harm” with people wrongly investigated, according to the first review of state threats legislation.

Jonathan Hall KC, an independent reviewer appointed by the home secretary, said the 2023 law had to be monitored against “misuse and overreach” because it could extend into politics, journalism, protest and other day-to-day activity.