Liberty is acting for Katharine Gun, a former GCHQ civil servant who has been charged with offences under the Official Secrets Act relating to public interest disclosures allegedly made in the run up to the Iraq War.

She was today granted unconditional bail until January 19. There will be a further appearance at Bow Street before the matter is transferred to Crown Court.

Katharine Gun made the following statement:

“I have today indicated to the court that I intend to plead not guilty to the charge that I face under the Official Secrets Act.

I will defend the charge against me on the basis that my actions were necessary to prevent an illegal war in which thousands of Iraqi civilians and British soldiers would be killed or maimed.

No-one has suggested (nor could they) that I sought or received any payment. I have only ever followed my conscience.

I have been heartened by the many messages of support and encouragement that I have received from Britain and around the world.”