MoD Farce as Scottish Sunday Gagged
By Neil Mackay, Home Affairs Editor | Published: Feb 11, 2001
Intelligence Agent's Identity Leaked on the Internet
Britain's intelligence chiefs face a hugely embarrassing fiasco this weekend over the exposure on the internet of one of the military's most prized secret agents. The Scottish Sunday has been caught in the middle of a dispute, as one arm of the Ministry of Defence tried to prevent us from revealing the identity of the female army undercover agent, even though she is already named on the internet.
Captain M - Undercover Army Officer
The undercover agent, known as Captain M or Mags, is a member of the covert Force Research Unit (FRU) and is accused by former FRU members of colluding with loyalist terror gangs in the murder of prominent Catholics and nationalists in the late 1980s. She is still an active army officer with the Intelligence Corps and is currently the subject of a long-running police investigation.
MoD's Attempts to Gag the Press
The MoD initially threatened the Scottish Sunday with an interdict when officials learned that this newspaper had information about M's identity and a photograph. However, when her identity was revealed on a US website dedicated to releasing intelligence information, the MoD conceded that newspapers were now free to publish her name. Yet, the MoD quickly changed its stance and demanded that the Scottish Sunday refrain from naming her, leading to a contradictory and farcical situation.
Ineffective Protection of Whistleblowers
The MoD claims to protect the identities of agents to prevent assassination attempts. However, the case of Martin Ingram, the chief whistleblower to the Stevens inquiry, shows a lack of equal protection. Ingram's real identity was leaked to the press by former FRU colleagues, and the MoD took no action to safeguard him. This discrepancy raises questions about the MoD's commitment to ensuring the safety of agents.
The Scottish Sunday's Solicitor Responds
Peter Watson, the solicitor for the Scottish Sunday, criticized the MoD's stance, stating that it made a "mockery of the Labour government's pledge of open government." Watson also highlighted the divisions within the military establishment over secrecy, emphasizing the lack of a clear policy on the matter.
Press Freedom and National Security
The clash between the MoD's attempts to prevent the Scottish Sunday from publishing M's identity and the internet's disclosure of her name raises important questions about press freedom and national security. The fact that the MoD is unable to control information already circulating on the internet underscores the challenges faced by intelligence agencies in the digital age.
Hotels and Comfortable Stays
Choosing the Perfect Accommodation for Your Trip
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Reviews and Recommendations
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Enjoy a Relaxing Stay
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