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Naming ‘Stakeknife’ Would Show State Agents’ Anonymity Is Not Guaranteed, MPs Say
The committee argues naming Stakeknife would bring closure to victims and families and uphold accountability despite government refusal under the neither confirm nor deny policy.
- On Monday, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee published a report urging the UK Government to formally name the agent known as Stakeknife, saying formal identification is "strongly in the public interest" and would help bring closure to victims and families.
- After its final report in December, Operation Kenova concluded Stakeknife was linked to at least 14 murders and 15 abductions and probably cost more lives than he saved.
- Kenova chief Sir Iain Livingstone and Jon Boutcher welcomed naming Stakeknife, while committee chair Tonia Antoniazzi said it shows agents who cross a line won’t keep anonymity.
- A UK Government spokesperson said it is not yet able to respond due to ongoing litigation and a recent Supreme Court judgment, with Hilary Benn committed to updating Parliament soon.
- The committee recommended reviewing the Neither Confirm Nor Deny policy, arguing that naming Stakeknife could help build trust in agencies of the state and impact ongoing litigation, including the Anthony McKiernan family case.
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Operation Kenova: MPs call on Government to formally name agent Stakeknife
A cross-party committee of MPs is calling on the Government to formally name Stakeknife – a British Army agent who worked within the IRA in the 1980s and was suspected of direct involvement in numerous murders. Read the report [PDF] In a report published today, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee concludes that revealing the identity of Stakeknife would be strongly in the public interest and help build trust and confidence in the agencies of …
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 44%
C 56%
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