Story perspectives

MI5's Cold War Files: Targeting Peaceful Campaigners Revealed

1/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Documents from the spycops inquiry show MI5 (the Security Service) received thousands of reports from undercover officers who infiltrated leftwing groups from the late 1960s to the 1990s.
The reports included personal details and built extensive files on individuals, often to vet government job applicants.
Critics say MI5 unfairly targeted peaceful campaigners during Cold War paranoia.
Details of the 2020 resumption of investigations into extremism remain unclear.

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Story summary

Documents from the spycops inquiry show MI5 (the Security Service) received thousands of reports from undercover officers who infiltrated leftwing groups from the late 1960s to the 1990s.
The reports included personal details and built extensive files on individuals, often to vet government job applicants.
Critics say MI5 unfairly targeted peaceful campaigners during Cold War paranoia.
Details of the 2020 resumption of investigations into extremism remain unclear.