MI6 chief says torture is illegal

[Jeffersons Ghost]

MI6 chief Sir John Sawers says torture illegal

The head of MI6, Sir John Sawers, has described torture as "illegal and abhorrent" and defended the service's need for secrecy.

He said his organisation faced "real, constant operational dilemmas" to avoid using intelligence which had been gathered by torture.

He also said secrecy was "not a dirty word" and played "a crucial part in keeping Britain safe and secure".

He is the first serving MI6 chief to make a public speech in its 100 years.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11642568