The problem with secrecy as a defence, is that it is so unaccountable. Where i work in a government department, secrecy is often used to cover up mistakes - mistakes that have happened because working in secrecy is a recipe for overstepping or ignoring legal investigative requirements. There are always people who abuse such environments and make huge clangers in their work. Then they step out and say - we were protecting you.

These are the people we need protecting from, and that's why we have laws about judicial oversight of government.

Double rebuke for Bush as judges attack terror moves - the Guardian