Source: United Kingdom Security Service (MI5)
Director General Sir Ken McCallum made the following statement in response to the publication of the final Kenova report.
“On behalf of MI5 I offer my sympathies to the victims and families of those who were tortured or killed by the Provisional IRA’s internal security unit during the Troubles.
MI5 retrieved and provided to the Kenova investigation a very large volume of historical records. Regrettably, after this extensive disclosure process was complete, we discovered additional relevant information. MI5 informed Kenova and shared the material without delay.
I apologised to Sir Iain Livingstone – and asked former Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball QPM to conduct an independent review to establish why the additional material had not been initially found. This review concluded that none of the material was deliberately withheld, but made recommendations on how MI5 could improve its processes for the future.
MI5 is now implementing all of ex-AC Ball’s recommendations. I repeat today my apology for the late discoveries.
MI5’s focus today is on working tirelessly with PSNI and other partners to keep communities in Northern Ireland safe. I am proud of the work our dedicated people do.”