MI5 court evidence while defending a violent neo-Nazi spy based on lies, report says
MI5 gave evidence based on "lies" to three courts while defending a violent neo-Nazi spy whose abuse was uncovered by the BBC, a damning official
MI5 gave evidence based on "lies" to three courts while defending a violent neo-Nazi spy whose abuse was uncovered by the BBC, a damning official report has found. The report, by the deputy investigatory powers commissioner Sir John Goldring, heavily criticises a series of senior MI5 figures and their organisation.
He finds that one senior MI5 officer lied repeatedly, while another misled his own colleagues and lied about what he was told. The conclusions confirm the BBC's revelation in February last year that MI5 lied to the courts, something the security service vehemently denied.
Sir John's investigation was ordered by the UK prime minister in September after MI5's explanations about what happened were rejected as deficient and unreliable by the High Court. His new report will plunge MI5 into crisis and could result in contempt of court proceedings or even a criminal prosecution.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the findings of the report were stark. For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news
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