MPs pass new UK spy law

UK MPs tonight voted 444-69 in favor of passing the Investigatory Powers Bill, aka the Snoopers' Charter, thus sending the proto-law off to the House of Lords to debate.

The government-pushed IPB ramps up the powers granted to British spies, effectively legalizing the mass surveillance systems revealed by Edward Snowden – albeit with a few additional safeguards, which may be sidestepped by government snoopers, anyway.

The Liberal Democrats, the SNP and the Green Party voted against the bill in the House of Commons this evening. Conservative and Labour MPs backed the new rules.

Stay tuned to El Reg for more coverage: for one thing, the House of Lords may amend or punt the bill back if they are unhappy with it. ®