MI5 to use new snooping laws to log all phone calls in UK

London, Oct.16 : British intelligence sleuths will use new snooping laws to log on to phone and computer records of all citizens in the country. They will track and store details of every call, email, text and web visit, reports The Sun.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith unveiled the plan yesterday, promising cops and MI5 more power to gather data.

She warned failure to act would give terrorists a free rein and lead to more unsolved murders, robberies and kidnaps.

Massive growth in phone and computer networks has made it harder to check who calls who. Many firms offer free calls or access and have no need to store billing data.

The government's move sparked accusations of expansion of "Big Brother" tactics.

Anti-terror watchdog Lord Carlile branded the idea of a database "awful".

But Ms Smith said it was "vital" and details of what people discuss will not be held.

The laws will be included in a Communications Data Bill in next month's Queen's Speech.

Police and intelligence chiefs welcomed the step but Tories called for a "proper debate".

ANI