Season One Research Files
Episode Fifteen
2:00pm-3:00pm
MI5
MI5 is the security intelligence agency of the United Kingdom. Formed in 1909 as the Secret Service Bureau, it became known as MI5 in 1916. In 1931, the name was changed to the Security Service. Unlike its American CIA counterpart, the Security Service is a civilian organization and its officers have no executive powers, such as the authority to detain or arrest people. It is not a "secret police force."
Its functions are to investigate secret intelligence about threats, counteract those threats, advise the UK Government about security measures and assist other agencies, organizations and departments with security. The Security Service protects national security and safeguards the economic well being of the UK against threats from overseas. These include terrorism, espionage and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In addition, the Security Service provides security advice to help reduce vulnerability to threats.
The 1,900 Security Service staff members exist under the authority of the Secretary of State (the Home Secretary), who answers to Parliament for the Service. The Service is not the only organization in the UK with responsibilities bearing on national security, or involved in collecting intelligence about security threats. Others play important roles within their own specific functions, notably the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), Departments of State and the law enforcement agencies.
The Security Service investigations are shared with the police or other law enforcement agencies when there is a prospect of the arrest of people who are committing or planning criminal offences. In recent years, the Service has developed and applied procedures that enable its intelligence to be admitted as evidence in criminal proceedings. In addition, the Service may recommend to the Home Office or to the Foreign Office that known terrorists or foreign intelligence officers, for example, be refused entry to the UK, or be deported or expelled. However, the decision whether to do so lies outside the Service.
The Service does not kill people or arrange their assassination. It is subject to the rule of law in just the same way as other public bodies. It is also sometimes alleged to be responsible for routinely monitoring the private lives of people because they have a high public profile, including members of the Royal Family, Government Ministers, and Members of Parliament. This is not the case. The Service only investigates individuals whose activities fall within its statutory remit under the Security Service Act.
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