MI5 accepts it gave evidence based on lies in neo-Nazi spy case
MI5 has officially admitted to providing false evidence to three courts during a case involving a neo-Nazi spy. The admission follows a damning report by the investigatory powers commissioner and ongoing scrutiny from senior judges regarding potential contempt of court.
Why it matters
The admission of systemic dishonesty within a national security agency raises significant questions about institutional accountability and the integrity of the judicial process.
Image caption, The case centres around a BBC investigation over how an MI5 agent used his role to abuse his girlfriend
The security service has accepted it gave evidence based on lies to three courts and that senior MI5 officers were repeatedly dishonest.
It is the first time MI5 has accepted that lies were told to the courts and confirms the BBC's revelation about what happened.
The lies were revealed in February 2025, which the security service then vehemently denied.
Timothy Otty KC, representing MI5, announced the position during a High Court hearing in London on Friday.
A panel of three senior judges - England and Wales' most senior judge, Lady Chief Justice Baroness Sue Carr, President of the King's Bench Division Dame Victoria Sharp and Mr Justice Chamberlain - is considering what action to take over the false evidence.
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