TVNZ debate must be extended due to spy revelations

Tomorrow night’s TVNZ debate must be extended to a full hour so New Zealanders can see a debate on the important issues raised about spying in this country, says Labour Leader David Cunliffe.

“The issues raised last night are extremely important to matters of privacy. New Zealanders deserve answers and they need them before the election.

“They will not get them from John Key’s evasive answers on the campaign trail and his refusal to appear on Morning Report.

“The only way to get answers is for an extension to last night’s debate by another half hour so these critical issues can be debated.

“I call for John Key to agree to such a debate for a full hour.

“Important issues New Zealanders want to see debated are:

· Are there any NSA facilities in New Zealand?

· Has metadata been collected by Five Eyes partners on New Zealanders?

· Why wasn’t the proposal for a mass surveillance programme revealed at the time of the GCSB Bill passing through Parliament?

· Can John Key give categorical assurances that New Zealanders’ metadata has not been used by the GCSB or other spy agencies?

· Can info be accessed by Five Eyes partners through New Zealand agencies without a warrant?

“This is a crucial election for the future of this country but the Prime Minister continues to provide evasive answers. That’s not good enough. Only a full debate can provide the answers New Zealanders deserve,” says David Cunliffe.

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