MI5 is directed by the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC), and the service is bound by the Security Service Act 1989. The service is directed to protect British parliamentary democracy and economic interests and to counter terrorism and espionage within the United Kingdom.
Discover how MI5 works to protect against threats to national security through intelligence gathering techniques, partnerships and legislation.
The Security Service, MI5, is responsible for protecting the UK against threats to national security. MI5 works with the Home Office .
MI5, intelligence agency charged with internal security and domestic counterintelligence activities of the United Kingdom. It is authorized to investigate any person or movement that might threaten the country’s security.
The Security Service, commonly known as MI5, is the United Kingdom's domestic counter-intelligence and security agency and is part of its intelligence machinery alongside the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), and Defence Intelligence (DI).
Although the “MI” stands for “Military Intelligence”, MI5 is a civilian agency without formal executive powers. MI5 is principally concerned with countering threats to domestic security – in contrast to MI6, which is concerned with external security.
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Headquartered in Thames House, MI5, formally known as the Security Service, is a linchpin of the UK’s intelligence community and is globally recognized for its vital role in protecting the nation.
This Week in History: Labour landslide, LA riots, and an MI5 scandal - Explore how major events between 27 April and 3 May were captured on The Independent’s front pages