MPs 'could face phone taps'

The prime minister is said to be preparing for a showdown with the House of Commons by backing plans to scrap a decades old ban on the tapping of MPs' telephones.

Reports in the Independent on Sunday suggested that MPs are to be told that they should no longer assume that the security services do not tap their communications equipment.

The ban, known as the Wilson doctrine, was introduced by Harold Wilson and has been defended by a succession of Labour and Conservative administrations.

The prime minister himself defended the ban after it emerged that MI5 had tapped the telephone of Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.

Despite this, Tony Blair is said to have been persuaded that MPs should be subject to the same rules as members of the public - who can be monitored but who are subject to safeguards against wrongful tapping.

According to the newspaper, defence secretary John Reid is strongly opposed to the move, which will be given a hostile reception among MPs.

The policy is to be discussed by ministers at a forthcoming cabinet meeting.

Speaking on Sunday Reid said the measure would be subject to "deep reflection and consideration" by ministers.

Labour rebel Andrew Mackinlay said he would oppose any moves to remove a "hallmark" of parliamentary democracy.

"This goes to the heart of what is to have a free parliament not some privilege enjoyed by MPs," he said on Sunday.

"Constituents, pressure groups and other organisations need to know for sure that they are talking to their elected representatives in complete confidence."

Since coming to office, Labour has introduced the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) which has resulted in a significant increase in surveillance.

The first hint of the policy shift came before Christmas - with the prime minister preparing confirm the move to MPs in early February.

In a written statement released in December the prime minister said he had received advice about the implications for the ban of the RIPA.

The statement said the new advice had come from Sir Swinton Thomas, the interception of communications commissioner, adding that Blair was considering the "possible implications".