Should MPs have more privacy than members of the public?

The Commons is to debate the Wilson Doctrine today, following a tribunal ruling that MPs have no protection from having their communications read by UK security agencies.

The Wilson Doctrine ensures that MP’s phone calls are not intercepted without the Prime Minister being made aware. Being passed in 1966, no provisions were made for emails and texts.

Speaking on the Today programme, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said the Wilson doctrine should be replaced with a “digital bill of rights for everybody”.

Farron is also concerned the government wants to proceed with a so-called “snoopers’ charter” which he sees as both impractical and potentially a “massive blow to traditional British liberties”.