Report

The Honorouble Jean-Guy Dagenais, Senator, the Honorouble Tony Clement, P.C., M.P., and Mr. David McGuinty, M.P. (Head of Delegation), attended the International Parliamentary Conference on National Security and Cybersecurity Day on behalf of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association that was held in London, United Kingdom from March 27 to 31, 2017.

Purpose:

The Conference, held in Westminster, was designed to increase parliamentarians’ knowledge of and build capacity on national security through engaging interactive discussion sessions and networking opportunities with key stakeholders. The programme focused on a range of themes covering legislation, committee scrutiny, budgets, and engagement with civil society, international institutions and the private sector.

Parliamentarians from across the globe participated in the International Parliamentary Conference on National Security.

Threats to national security are ever-changing. Countries and their citizens now face a myriad of diverse and complex threats, both endurable and terminal. These dangers range from economic recessions, environmental degradation and climate change, to pandemics, cyberwarfare, civil wars and political uprisings, as well as the emergence of sophisticated, well-funded terror groups and intrastate challenges to territorial boundaries.

Yet the current security discourse has brought into question the effectiveness of nation states to ensure greater security and stability for all. Some view them as perpetuating threats to individual security and liberty. Now more than ever, states must prove themselves adequate for the task of providing national security in a complex and hostile environment. Parliamentarians as the primary interface between a government and its citizens have a responsibility to defend the rights of the individual, balanced with the safety and security of the majority.

The Conference was part of a series of major international parliamentary conferences held annually by CPA UK to explore parliamentarians' role in economic and social development.

Day 1 Summary

Introducing this year’s International Parliamentary Conference (IPC), CPA UK Chief Executive Andrew Tuggey CBE, highlighted that this was the largest to date with over 90 delegates representing 37 countries. Andrew Tuggey CBE went on to pay his respect to the victims of last week’s terrorist attack on Parliament and emphasised to delegates that parliamentary life in Westminster goes on undeterred.

Introduction to National Security

Following the introductory comments, the IPC was formally opened with an address from the Secretary of State for Defence, Sir Michael Fallon MP. Sir Michael began with reference to the attack on Westminster in March and underlined the international nature of the victims, who included citizens from France, the U.S., Romania, South Korea and elsewhere. The Westminster attack, he stated, was not only an attack on individuals, but also an attempt to cause division. He assured delegates, however, that in spite of these efforts “we are more united than ever in defending our way of life”.

On a global level, Sir Michael emphasised the importance of international networks, including the Commonwealth, in addressing national security issues. The shared history of the Commonwealth, as well as its Charter which sets out a commitment to human rights, peace and stability, means the network of 52 nations can play an important role on the global stage. Sir Michael closed by advocating democracy as the greatest weapon against aggression, terrorism and threats to national security.

Global Context

The first session sought to give a global context to national security and cybersecurity issues. The opening speaker addressed current trends in national security, drawing attention to the way in which the world has become more interdependent. The intermingling of populations, global markets and the internet have meant that events have a ripple effect throughout the world.

The second contributor honed in on the issue of terrorism. It was noted that while terrorism is a cheap and easy tool for those who want to use it for their cause, the actual threat from terrorism – despite public perception – is relatively small. The contributor sought to emphasise the wider strategic picture of stability and good governance within which counterterrorism forms a component.

The final speaker of the session talked about the issue of cybersecurity. With incidents of cybercrime and cyberterrorism on the increase, the proactive role parliamentarians need to take in protecting this new digital space was stressed. The discussion that followed emphasised the need for greater awareness around cybersecurity, with the correct approach to cybercrime not being to shut down the internet but to educate users, which is an area where parliamentarians can take an active lead.

After the session, delegates then had the opportunity to explore the establishment of the UK National Security Council as a case study to unpack some of the broader issues in context, with contributions from members of the Council, advisers and academics.

Debate at Speaker’s House

Delegates then left Church House and made their way to Speaker’s House in Parliament, to partake in a debate on whether parliaments should have war powers. Following an introduction from Speaker John Bercow MP, the panelists debated whether elected officials or the executive is better placed to make the decision to go to war. The discussion touched on the correct role of an MP and parliament; the politicisation of warfare; and the impact on constituents. This was followed by a lively discussion that carried over into the evening reception at Speaker’s House.

Day 2 Summary

National Security: Terrorism, the role of Parliaments and legislations

Day 2 began with the third session of the Conference, an in-depth look into terrorism in the 21st Century and the role of Parliamentarians in National Security. The session began with looking into the definitions of terrorism and how strategies must depend on the nature of the enemy as the nature of terrorism is now one in which rules don’t apply.

This was followed by an examination into the role parliamentarians can play in counter-terrorism, highlighting that human rights and good governance are at the core of security and need to be embedded into legislation.

In the fourth session, delegates explored the role of Parliaments and the level of involvement that should be allowed in scrutinising national security strategies given the sensitivities of classified materials.

Once a National Security Strategy is in place, how should parliaments legislate for it? Legal strategies and post-legislation processes were explored in the fifth session.

Delegates then engaged in a breakout session on examining the threats, strategies and legislation in relation to national security.

The sixth session focussed on defence spending by governments and emphasised the significance in scrutinising this spending to ensure value for money is achieved for taxpayers – which could be allocated to spending in other areas such as health and education.

Debate

To close the second day of the IPC, the former Speaker of the House of Lords, the Rt Hon. Baroness D’Souza CMG, chaired a timely, lively and interesting chamber debate on Habeas Corpus. In the same chamber that the House of Commons used during the Second World War, delegates discussed whether Habeas Corpus - the writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge - should ever be suspended in cases involving terrorist suspects. The discussion touched on the centrality of the rule of law, the protection of citizens and pre-emptive arrests, and how Habeas Corpus adapts to a changing world and new security challenges.

Day 3 Summary

Intelligence and Peacekeeping

Day 3 of the International Parliamentary Conference (IPC) began with session 7: Scrutinising Security which explored scrutiny and the oversight of national security. The session gave delegates an insight into the work of the UK Intelligence & Security Committee in scrutinising the intelligence community. It went further and looked into the work of the Security Service (MI5) in protecting the public, the role of the Interception of Communications Commissioner in interception and collecting communications data and, the work Europol does with European authorities.

Delegates then participated in a regional themed breakout session (session 8) which allowed them to engage in the security threats faced on different continents.

Session 9 examined the role peacekeeping plays and to what extent it has been a successful enterprise. It was highlighted that there is great significance in keeping debate alive on the subject of peacekeeping. This was followed by an in-depth look into the role of a country in peacekeeping operations.

Select Committee Hearing

The Select Committee Hearing was an opportunity for delegates to observe or act as committee members in a replica hearing session on energy security and broader geopolitics which resulted in the removal of the Energy Minister.

Tackling Trafficking and the Media

Session 10 of the IPC focused on tackling trafficking in both illicit goods and people. The session highlighted the situation in a country, where the government is funded by the slave trade, which inadvertently helps facilitate the trafficking of humans through trade and business.

Next delegates were introduced to the Darknet and the illicit small arms trade. Delegates saw a live demonstration of how the Darknet works including where individuals can buy small arms and the challenges it poses to modern society. It was highlighted that parliamentarians have an important role to play in building the capacity of investigators, implementing effective legislation, and - to be effective in combating trafficking - confronting the interests of those benefiting from slavery.

The final session of the day looked into the role of the media in scrutinising security. It was noted that the media plays an important role in promoting an informed and productive public debate around security issues and that censorship of the media should be avoided. Also highlighted was the changing nature of media through social media and the supposed rise of ‘fake news’.

Day 4 Summary

National Security vs Human Rights

Day 4 of the International Parliamentary Conference (IPC) began with a session looking at the balance between protecting citizens with robust national security measures; while also ensuring civil liberties are enshrined in the law. The session covered the tactics of surveillance and interception as well as international human rights standards and the special powers of courts. The session also offered parliamentarian perspective into the way in which elected representatives create legislation and scrutinise bills that effectively balance protecting citizens whilst maintaining freedom.

Countering Extremism and Community Cohesion

The following session then asked how parliamentarians can promote community cohesion and counter the narrative of violent extremism. With the recent examples of the Westminster attack and the murder of Jo Cox MP, the role for parliamentarians to be leaders that promote unity in their communities is as important as ever. The session also highlighted the use of online tools by terrorist organisations to entice individuals to various causes and the panellists emphasised the importance of educating children at a young age of the dangers online. Finally, the importance of the family was explored in countering extremism and violence. An example was cited of a rival football match that had a history of crowd trouble until it employed mothers from the community to act as match stewards.

Equality and Diversity in Security

The final session of the morning was given over to the issue of equality and diversity with regards to security. It was noted that a group that doesn’t feel it has a stake in national security is dangerous for community cohesion and so parliamentarians had a responsibility to ensure all of society felt included and represented by security interests. Delegates heard about efforts of the London Metropolitan Police Service to be a more diverse workforce that reflects the city and the benefits of achieving that goal. Delegates also heard about the role of women in peace negotiations and how security solutions can only be truly sustainable when the voice of both men and women are heard.

Building International and Regional Partnerships and Agreements

Next, the session began by drawing on the shared values and the network of Commonwealth nations, which has many links and associations across many sectors. As the oldest political association in the world, it was highlighted that the Commonwealth is more interdependent on each other than ever before. The importance of the balance between national security and individual freedom and the fundamental role for parliamentarians in challenging governments was also emphasised. The session then explored the role of Europol and the spread of similar networks in other continents and also discussed the future of Europol and the UK post-Brexit.

Delegates then participated in a breakout exercise that examined threats, strategies and legislations in relation to national security.

Partnering and Oversight of the Private Sector

The final session of the day gave an overview of Guernsey and its relationship with security entities. It went on to look at the tools and guidance available for parliamentarians and highlighted the need to develop innovative solutions that put good governance at the heart of endeavours. The session also examined the professional and regulated security industry and how oversight of the industry, as well as training and preparation of private security operatives, provide security the public can rely on. The importance of sharing information and working collaboratively was emphasised.

Day 5: Cybersecurity Day

Hacking

The first session focussed on cyber hacking and explained the different types of hacks and strategies that can be carried out and how to be prevent these from happening. The session also touched on the current challenges authorities face with accessing encrypted platforms such as WhatsApp. There was a demonstration of an ethical hack which highlighted the ease of hacking using accessible apps.

The following session explored the role of the National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of GCHQ, and its mission to make the UK the safest place. As cybercrime overtakes normal crime it was stressed that there is a need to grow by partnering with the private sector so information can be shared more easily and by capability by bringing more talent into the organisation.

Launch of e-Handbook on Cybersecurity

The morning closed with the official launch of the E-Handbook on Cybersecurity. Produced by CPA UK, the e-Handbook is a resource for parliamentarians to equip them to deal with the challenges of cybersecurity and was contributed to by over 100 experts.

Legislation, scrutiny and partnerships

Delegates then explored the specific role of parliamentarians with regards to cybersecurity. The challenge facing parliamentarians is how to protect the rule of law in cyberspace, which is ungoverned by state borders. The session held up the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and some of the strategies being used to legislate at a national level for cybercrime as examples for parliamentarians to deal with these issues.

The session also looked at the role of parliamentary committees, drawing on the example of the UK Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy. The session concluded by asserting that cybersecurity is about the activities of people and processes not just technology.

The final session of the day focussed on the role of parliamentarians in building partnerships, which is essential to tackling cybercrime and also prevents the duplication of efforts. The session emphasised that people are the strongest asset for dealing with cybercrime and that there is an imperative on parliamentarians to connect organisations and individuals. The global interdependence of cybersecurity also means that on a global scale, nations need to be in communication as what is happening in one part of the world today can be happening in another part tomorrow.

A word of thanks

The conference came to a close with an address from Hon. Juliet Holness MP of Jamaica, who thanked the speakers, organisers and delegates for their participation and contributions.

Summary

The delegates had the opportunity to learn about National Security and Cybersecurity as well as discuss the challenges faced by delegates from other Commonwealth countries, including those faced by Canada’s Parliament.

Respectfully submitted,

Yasmin Ratansi, M.P.
Chair of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)