Report of the Independent Surveillance Review
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in managing data requests. We support the practical reforms suggested by Sir Nigel
Sheinwald to the existing MLAT between the UK and the US, to include the greater
standardisation of processes, training and improved guidance. The scope for a new and
wider international framework between like-minded democratic countries should also
be seriously investigated with the aim of allowing law-enforcement and intelligence
agencies more rapid access, under agreed restrictions, to relevant data in cases of
serious crime and for urgent counter-terrorism purposes.