SpyCatcher

Book by Peter Wright

Spycatcher is a book written by former MI5 officer Peter Wright and co-author Paul Greengrass. It was published in 1987 and became notable for its controversial content and the legal battles it sparked. The book details Wright's experiences in MI5 and his allegations of misconduct within the British intelligence community.

Background

SpyTagSpyCatcher engineering

Peter Wright joined MI5, the United Kingdom's domestic counter-intelligence and security agency, in 1955. During his tenure, he became involved in various operations and investigations, including efforts to identify Soviet spies within the British establishment. Wright's career in MI5 spanned several decades, during which he rose to the position of Assistant Director.

Content

The book Spycatcher is an autobiographical account of Wright's career in MI5. It covers a range of topics, including:

• Allegations of Soviet infiltration in British intelligence.
• Wright's involvement in counter-espionage operations.
• Claims of conspiracy and corruption within MI5.
• The Profumo affair and its impact on British politics.

Wright also discusses his efforts to uncover a Soviet mole within MI5, whom he believed to be Roger Hollis, the former Director-General of MI5. These allegations were highly controversial and led to significant debate and scrutiny.

Legal Controversy

The publication of Spycatcher was met with legal challenges from the British government, which sought to prevent its release on the grounds of national security. The government argued that the book contained sensitive information that could compromise intelligence operations.

Despite these efforts, the book was published in Australia, and the legal battle continued in various jurisdictions. The case eventually reached the House of Lords, which ruled against the government, allowing the book to be published in the UK. The legal proceedings highlighted issues related to freedom of speech and censorship.

Impact and Legacy

Spycatcher became a bestseller and sparked widespread public interest in the workings of British intelligence. It also raised questions about the accountability and oversight of intelligence agencies. The book's publication and the subsequent legal battles had a lasting impact on the relationship between the media, the public, and the government regarding issues of national security.

Related Pages

• MI5
• Peter Wright (MI5 officer)
• Roger Hollis
• Profumo affair
• Freedom of speech
• Censorship