MI5 spied on Nye Bevan for more than 20 years, newly released files show
Newly released National Archives files reveal that MI5 monitored NHS founder Aneurin Bevan for over two decades starting in the 1930s. The surveillance was prompted by his left-wing political associations, though some officials questioned the necessity of tracking a public figure whose activities were transparent.
Why it matters
The files provide historical insight into the extent of state surveillance on prominent political figures during the 20th century.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Papers show Aneurin Bevan first came to the attention of the security service in the 1930s
NHS founder Aneurin "Nye" Bevan was spied on by MI5 for more than 20 years, according to newly released files.
Papers given to the National Archives show he first came to the attention of the security service in the 1930s when he was considered a firebrand left-winger linked to prominent communists.
Monitoring continued after Bevan, from Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, became a minister in the post-war Labour government when he drove through the creation of the NHS in the face of opposition from doctors.
At one stage the then MI5 director general became so concerned about his links to a Russian spy that he went to see Prime Minister Clement Attlee in No 10 to warn him.
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