Try GOLD - Free
Stakeknife inquiry hits out at MI5
The Gazette
|December 10, 2025
MI5'S initial failure to disclose all it knew about the Army's top spy in the Provisional IRA during the Troubles in Northern Ireland was a "significant failure", an independent report into the activities of the agent known as Stakeknife has said.
-
"He is publicly alleged to have been a senior member of the IRA internal security unit and to have been Stakeknife. To directly quote a solicitor for the Kenova families who spoke to the BBC in 2024, the dogs in the street know that Fred Scappaticci is the agent Stakeknife.
"Scappaticci remained a critical person of interest at the heart of Operation Kenova, and strong evidence was found implicating him in serious criminality."
The final report of Operation Kenova said that MI5 had "earlier and greater knowledge" of Stakeknife than it had at first stated. The UK Government has been urged to name Stakeknife, with Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher stating the refusal to do so is "bordering on farce".
This story is from the December 10, 2025 edition of The Gazette.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Gazette
The Gazette
Morris on way back to full fitness
KIM Hellberg is hopeful that Aidan Morris is back in action for Middlesbrough as soon as possible, with the USA international recovering from an ankle injury.
2 mins
December 15, 2025
The Gazette
What happens to your pension when you change jobs?
It's easy to lose track of your old pensions but they're worth keeping an eye on.
4 mins
December 15, 2025
The Gazette
Schaper up nicely
GOLF Jayden Schaper edged out defending champion Shaun Norris in a playoff at the Alfred Dunhill Championship to win his first DP World Tour title.
1 min
December 15, 2025
The Gazette
Rise in buy now pay later transactions
Shoppers increasingly turned to “alternative” ways to pay in 2024, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Its annual payments report found that alternatives, which include buy now pay later (BNPL) schemes, accounted for 3.8% of transactions in 2023, rising to 4.1% in 2024. The report suggested that interest rates charged on credit
1 min
December 15, 2025
The Gazette
Two-goal Rogers hero for Villans
UNAI Emery hailed the response of his “ambitious” Aston Villa side after they came from behind twice to beat West Ham 3-2 and keep themselves in the Premier League title race.
1 min
December 15, 2025
The Gazette
Derby day anguish for Woltemade and United
NICK Woltemade’s own goal earned Sunderland the Wear-Tyne derby spoils with a 1-0 win over Newcastle.
2 mins
December 15, 2025
The Gazette
DAVID YOUNG and HIS FAMILY HEAD TO 'THE KINGDOM' OF KERRY'S GREENWAYS IN SOUTH WEST IRELAND
OUR eldest Martha zips under the old railway bridge at pace, holding off a spirited challenge from her younger sister Rose.
4 mins
December 15, 2025
The Gazette
Goal fully deserved for 'brilliant' Conway
BOSS HAILS STRIKER'S MENTALITY TO SCORE FROM SPOT
2 mins
December 15, 2025
The Gazette
Teen rapist who lived in 'porn fantasy'
A Teesside rapist who lived in a \"fantasy world\" of porn subjected a child victim to horrendous sexual abuse.
1 min
December 15, 2025
The Gazette
Mahmood urges Labour figures to 'focus on day job'
LABOUR figures should \"focus on the day job\" of delivering for the public and Sir Keir Starmer is \"not going\", Shabana Mahmood has said amid fresh speculation about Andy Burnham's ambitions.
1 mins
December 15, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size