article_snippet: Information obtained using torture was used to help foil  an al-Qaeda plot to bring down two planes, Information has been claimed.
article_snippet: The claim comes as former MI5 head Sir John Sawers said torture does produce 'useful information' and can be 'effective in the short term.'
article_snippet: Intelligence obtained via torture was reportedly used in a 'Jack Bauer real-time operation' to foil an al-Qaeda plot to bring down two planes and intercept a bomb at East Midlands Airport (pictured) A major security alert was launched after plastic explosives concealed inside inkjet printer cartridges were discovered on two cargo planes travelling from Yemen to the US in October 2010.
article_snippet: A source close to the operation added: 'Of course we use intelligence from torture.
article_snippet: Former MI5 head Sir John Sawers said yesterday that torture does produce 'useful information' and can be 'effective in the short term' '
article_snippet: Sir John   also told presenter Mishal Husain: 'Torture had been used for “thousands of years in order to extract useful information. '
article_snippet: Sir John   added: 'The whole problem about torture and maltreatment is sadly is that it does produce intelligence.
highlights_snippet: Intelligence from Saudi Arabia 'came after torture of al-Qaeda operative'
  Ex-spy chief says torture 'does produce useful information' 