The head of the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), often known as MI6, John Sawers, became the first spy chief in 100 years to deliver a public speech.
In the wake of the recent torture scandals involving Britain's MI6 and its military branch MI5, Sir Sawers in his speech to the Society of Editors focused on controversial torture practices.
"Torture is illegal and abhorrent under any circumstances, and we have nothing whatsoever to do with it," he said. "If we know or believe action by us will lead to torture taking place, we're required by the U.K. and international law to avoid that action. And we do, even though that allows the terrorist activity to go ahead."
Sawers said that the denial in abuse was making spy work harder and harder, but MI6 remained firm in its position "to find different ways [of gathering secret information], consistent with human rights."
He also dismissed frequent calls to reveal secret information since only total secrecy could provide national security.
"Secrecy is not a dirty word. Secrecy is not there as a cover up. Secrecy plays a crucial part in keeping Britain safe and secure," Sawers said.
The main challenge the SIS faces is reacting on everyday reports on terrorist threats in the United Kingdom coming from Al-Qaeda's widespread network
"You and millions of people like you go about your business in our cities and towns free of fear because the British government works tirelessly, out of the public eye, to stop terrorists and would-be terrorists in their tracks," Sawers said.
LONDON, October 28 (RIA Novosti)
