CAMPAIGNERS have accused the Home Office of trying to “evade scrutiny” of undercover agents by failing to publicise a consultation over new operational guidelines for officers. 

Parliament passed the Covert Human Intelligence Sources Act — also known as the Spycops Bill — last year, allowing government agencies to authorise undercover operatives to commit crimes with immunity.

But charities Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) and JUSTICE say the Home Office’s consultation on its draft code of practice guidance “failed to proactively consult key organisations.”