UK MPs To Quiz GCHQ Over Alleged $150 Million Payments From U.S Government

With it being revealed that the American government paid the UK spy agency, the GCHQ, $150 million in return for “spying cooperation”, UK MPs now want answers over what the shady deal involved. RT reports that Sir Malcolm Rifkind, chairman of the parliamentary spy watchdog the Intelligence and Security Committee, Labour MP Paul Flynn and many others have demanded explanations.

Explanations are wanted for what the £96/$150 million payments were given for and what they were used for. Labour MP Paul Flynn has said that these allegations make Britain “the poodle of the US”. Edward Snowden stated that these payments to the GCHQ were in return for the UK “pulling their weight” and at one stage in the deal the USA accused the UK of not meeting minimum expectations.

Despite demanding explanations Sir Malcolm Rifkind is unsurprised by the new revelations:

“I’m not remotely surprised that for a number of years GCHQ and the NSA have had a number of joint projects in which they co-operate together with substantial resources to do their joint projects. That’s something we have investigated, taking evidence from both GCHQ in London and the NSA.”

He also added that he feels Snowden’s behaviour with regards to the NSA data and project leaking has been “hugely irresponsible”. 

Image courtesy of Reuters / Kieran Doherty