A parliamentary majority is looking to introduce an independent Security and Intelligence Agency (PET) watchdog, with the Liberal and Red Green parties proposing that members should be appointed directly by Parliament, according to Berlingske.

“We want greater independence in the control mechanisms of PET and are prepared to renew guidelines so that Parliament is involved in the appointments (Ed: to the watchdog) as in Great Britain and Norway,” Liberal Justice Spokesman Karsten Lauritzen tells Berlingske in sentiments echoed by the Red Greens.

“PET is perhaps the authority in Denmark which is able to exercise the most extensive measures against the public, so independent control is necessary,” Red Green Justice Spokeswoman tells Berlingske.

The Security and Intelligence Agency is currently controlled by the Wamberg Committee, members of which are appointed by the Minister for Justice. As the minister is also the person responsible for PET, it is suggested that the committee cannot be independent.

The proposal for independent parliamentary control has won the support of the Social Liberals, Socialist People’s Party and the Liberal Alliance, while the Danish People’s Party is reluctant.

“We would like to strengthen parliamentary control of PET, but you must be careful that it doesn’t become overkill,” the Danish People’s Party Justice Spokesman Peter Skaarup tells Berlingske.

The Social Democrats, meanwhile, have not yet commented on the proposal.

Justice Ministry officials are currently in the process of preparing a proposal for a Bill on the subject, developing conclusions in a white paper from a committee which was unable to agree on the powers that a new watchdog should have.

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