MI5 files: The biggest secrets uncovered from the Cambridge Five archives
IndependentJan 14
UK: MI5 Declassifies Top Secret Files Ahead of Spring Exhibition
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Above: A passage showing Queen Elizabeth II's reaction after learning about Anthony Blunt inside files, one of the many files MI5 has made available to the National Archives in Kew, west London. Image copyright: James Manning/Contributor/PA Images via Getty Images
The Facts
The British Security Service (MI5) has released more than 100 previously classified files prior to an exhibition at the National Archives this spring.
The release includes historical reports spanning from before World War I to the mid-1970s, communications between MI5 and the FBI, and investigations into the Communist Party of Great Britain.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
MI5's declassified files offer a compelling glimpse into the shadowy world of British intelligence. These records reveal the inner workings of notorious cases like those of Kim Philby and Anthony Blunt — shedding light on the motivations and betrayals of Soviet spies. The files showcase the tension, daring decisions, and quiet resilience of MI5, bringing history to life with an unprecedented level of depth and insight.
Establishment-critical narrative
The Cambridge Five scandal remains a profound embarrassment for the UK, exposing deep flaws in its intelligence and elite institutions. Worse, newly released files reveal Queen Elizabeth II, MI5, and the establishment knew of Blunt's treachery long before it was exposed publicly in 1979. By shielding him to avoid a national scandal, they prioritized reputation over accountability — undermining trust in the monarchy and national security alike.
