The McCullough Review and the IPT hearing in McCaffrey and Birney
Statement from the McCullough Review (an independent inquiry into conduct by the Police Service of Northern Ireland arising from concerns raised in relation to surveillance of journalists, lawyers and other groups).
The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) is currently hearing a case brought by two journalists, Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey, raising complaints about police surveillance, including the conduct of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The McCullough Review is currently investigating issues of PSNI use of surveillance affecting specific groups, including journalists, lawyers, and NGOs, from 2011 to present day.
Angus McCullough KC is the independent reviewer appointed by the Chief Constable of PSNI. He has said:
“My review into these matters is entirely independent and proceeds with the advice and direction from a group of experts and stakeholders (GoES): the membership of the group is set out here.
Although my remit does not extend to matters which are the subject of the IPT proceedings whilst those proceedings are ongoing, the complaints currently being heard by the IPT raise wider concerns which I am investigating.
There is currently an open Call for Evidence which was published on 10 July 2024.
I would urge any individual or group that has information relevant to my inquiry to be in touch with me, using the Questionnaire which is available online, and to send completed questionnaires to my secure email address (which appears on the form) on a confidential basis. Anyone volunteering information to my review by this means will not be identified outside the review team; not to PSNI nor to the wider public. This confidentiality is subject to anyone coming under suspicion of wrongdoing not automatically being entitled to anonymity, and in that case they would be warned accordingly. The deadline for this call for evidence is 5pm on Friday 18 October 2024.”
Notes to Editors:
- Further details are available on the review website, including the terms of reference: www.mcculloughreview.org
- Angus McCullough KC is a senior barrister based in London, called to the bar in both England & Wales and Northern Ireland. He has long experience of cases involving sensitive material and security issues, including as a leading Special Advocate in closed proceedings – a role that involves seeking to maximise open disclosure as well as acting in the interests of those excluded from closed hearings.
- Updates in relation to progress and work of the review will appear on the website. The reviewer does not otherwise intend to comment on any reporting about the review to avoid prejudicing its work as it proceeds.