Overview
- The nine-year Operation Kenova released its final report on 9 December, concluding Britain’s security services protected a high‑level IRA agent known as Stakeknife who committed serious crimes during the Troubles.
- Findings link the agent to 14 murders and 15 abductions, detail 3,517 intelligence reports that were often not acted upon, and assess that his information saved only high single‑digit to low double‑digit lives.
- MI5 and Army handlers twice flew the agent out for “holidays” while he was wanted for conspiracy to murder and false imprisonment, and he received substantial payments and resettlement support.
- Kenova faults MI5 for late disclosure of key files that impeded the inquiry, calling it a significant failure; MI5 director general Ken McCallum apologised for the delay but denied deliberate withholding.
- The report urges the government to name Stakeknife and apologise to victims, but ministers maintain the NCND policy, the PPS has ruled there is insufficient evidence for prosecutions, and families express anger and pursue legal action.