live from london, this is bbc news. breaking news, a major report into army into northern ireland during the troubles has seen calls for apologies from the uk government and ira for apologies to surviving victims. a press conference is about to start. the inquiry has probed the activities of the british agent known as stakeknife within the provisional ira. our correspondent jennifer o'leary is outside the press conference in belfast. take us through what this investigation was about and its findings. goad

about and its findings. good morning- — about and its findings. good morning- it _ about and its findings. good morning. it is _ about and its findings. good morning. it is out, - about and its findings. good morning. it is out, the - about and its findings. good l morning. it is out, the interim findings of operation kenova, a savanier, near £40 million investigation into an army agent at the heart of the ira. freddie scapaticci was tasked with hunting down suspected informers. this report and its findings shine a light into dark corners of the so—called dirty war, the intelligence war between the state and the ira. among its findings which include a failure by the security forces to protect those accused by the ira of being agents. it also finds that agents were involved in murder with no evidence to suggest that the authorities considered holding them liable. crucially, a finding that freddie

scappaticci purported to be the army's golden egg, a prized asset inside the ira who it was said had saved hundreds of lives, a finding that he actually in fact cost more lives than he saved. the interim findings put the figure between low single figures and low double figures, high single figures and low double figures. i'm told that number is between eight and i2. double figures. i'm told that number is between eight and 12. freddie scappaticci was linked to the murders of at least 14 people. we believe he is also separately linked to the abduction of 15 people. a finding from operation kenova that he did not save hundreds of lives. it's found that that was in fact described as a myth, that he cost more lives than he saved. the

interim findings call for an apology from the government to victims�* families for the failure to protect the victims�* lives and it calls for an apology from republican leaders to apologise for those who were abducted, tortured and murdered by the ira for being suspected of being informers. within the republican community, if you were suspected of being an informer, if you lost a loved one, that was a stigma that you carried within the community and the past through generations. today�*s report will come as the details are being released to the families of the victims of the ira�*s internal security unit and they have reacted, some have reacted to that report and have been very pleased with how the chief constable of the

psni but who headed up operation kenova, some of those families are pleased in the information that he was able to provide to them. other families are still taking in the detail of the report and are expected to react later but operation kenova was a detailed, savanier, £40 million investigation. it's savanier, £40 million investigation. it�*s understood that at least 32 people were recommended to the pps for review as potential prosecutions but it was decided that no one is to be prosecuted in relation to operation kenova in relation to the activities of the agent stakeknife who was freddie scappaticci. he joined the ira in the early 19705 and went on to become a crucial part of the ira�*s internal security unit,

a team set up of the ira�*s internal security unit, a team setup who is a specific task was set up to hunt down and flush out suspected spies. within the ira, there was a brutal code, tho5e out suspected spies. within the ira, there was a brutal code, those are suspected of being informer5 and those who were deemed guilty were executed. it was freddie scappaticci who was at the heart of the ira, of that unit that was designed to protect the ira from leaks but it was a gift to british intelligence because they had him at the centre of that unit. operation kenova wa5 of that unit. operation kenova was focused on his activities and also the role of his handler5, how they dealt with the intelligence, how they fared it up the chain and what happened. today�*5 report crucially find5 happened. today�*5 report crucially finds that in some cases, intelligence was not acted on. people who could have potentially

been saved were not saved. agents who were under surveillance by the security forces, surveillance was pulled and those people were then subjected to torture and, in some cases, murder by the ira�*s security unit. jon boutcher headed up the operation investigation for a number of years, he is now the psni chief constable and he is going to give a press conference shortly and react to the findings of this report. crucially, one of the major findings is that freddie scappaticci did not, as it was long purported, did not save hundreds of lives. he was not, in fact, a golden egg in terms of producing intelligence agency the ira, he did not save hundreds of lives. he cost more lives than he saved. the figure we understand is

between eight and 12 people saved when in fact he was linked to the murders of at least 14 people by the ira's murders of at least 14 people by the ira�*s internal security unit. their deaths when a brutal form of public spectacle because suspected informers were interrogated, at times tortured, those deemed guilty, by a member of the ira�*s ruling body, would give the go—ahead for that person to be murdered and that person would be dumped in ditches, in alleyways as a warning to others within the republican community that there were consequences for giving away the ira�*s secrets. at the centre of that unit was freddie scappaticci. for over two decades, he was working for the ira but he

was also an intelligence asset of the army inside the ira at the heart of that unit. today�*s findings shines a light into dark corners of that so—called dirty war between british intelligence and the ira. a big question for many is how the army handled an agent. an agent that they knew was involved in murder, they knew was involved in murder, the murder of those suspected themselves of being state agents. today�*s operation kenova�*s interim findings finds that in some cases, people were not protected. there was a failure to protect victims. a failure to maintain surveillance in some cases, surveillance that possibly could have protected

people�*s lives, more lives, it is said in this report, caused by the running of freddie scappaticci. let�*s go to that press conference now and joinjon let�*s go to that press conference now and join jon boutcher, let�*s go to that press conference now and joinjon boutcher, the chief constable of the psni. studio: as you can see, the press conference is about to get under way. let�*s listen in. conference is about to get under way. let's listen in.— conference is about to get under way. let's listen in. good morning, everybody- — way. let's listen in. good morning, everybody- in _ way. let's listen in. good morning, everybody. in june _ way. let's listen in. good morning, everybody. in june 2016, _ way. let's listen in. good morning, everybody. in june 2016, sir - way. let's listen in. good morning,| everybody. in june 2016, sir george everybody. injune 2016, sir george hamilton asked jon boutcher to independently lead operation kenova. an investigation into a range of activities surrounding the alleged army agent known as stakeknife. this followed a referral from the public prosecution service after they had received information from the office of the police ombudsman. in appointing jon boutcher, the northern ireland policing board decided he would recuse himself such as that relating to the publication of the interim report so that

responsibility now sits with me. having worked carefully through the protocol on publication, i having worked carefully through the protocol on publication, i am pleased that we are able to... i would like to thank the operation kenova team for the thorough and professional investigation they have conducted. the report outlines the challenges faced in conducting legacy investigations but highlights no matter how difficult investigations might be, they must remain victim focused on the needs of the families who have lost loved ones must always be at the fore during such investigations. the interim report serves as a stark reminder of the pain and suffering continuing to be felt by all the families killed and injured during

the troubles. the report highlights once again the enormous challenges faced by security forces during the troubles and acknowledges the overwhelmingly —— they overwhelmingly —— they overwhelmingly sought to act in the public interest and that the immense sacrifices and losses they suffered should never be forgotten. the deficiencies and feelings regarding the handling and dissemination of intelligence by police, many of which have been highlighted repeatedly in the past have been addressed by the restructuring of our intelligence systems and processes through the formation of our crime department. the report makes a number of recommendations and we shall share it with our partners and government and continue to play our part in finding a lasting solution to our troubled past. the northern ireland troubles legacy and reconciliation act of 2023 will see the establishment of the independent commission for reconciliation and information recovery and we will support this new body once it commences

operations on the 1st of may this year. i will now ask sir ian livingstone, the overall commander of operation kenova, followed byjon boutcher to introduce the interim report. boutcher to introduce the interim re ort, , ., ., boutcher to introduce the interim re ort, ,., ., ., boutcher to introduce the interim re ort, ., y” boutcher to introduce the interim reort. ., ., report. good morning, everyone. i am ian livingstone — report. good morning, everyone. i am ian livingstone and _ report. good morning, everyone. i am ian livingstone and i _ report. good morning, everyone. i am ian livingstone and i took— report. good morning, everyone. i am ian livingstone and i took over - report. good morning, everyone. i am ian livingstone and i took over of - ian livingstone and i took over of command — ian livingstone and i took over of command of operation kenova late last year. _ command of operation kenova late last year, having retired as scotland's chief constable in august of 2025 _ scotland's chief constable in august of 2023. since the inception of operation kenova, i have worked alongside — operation kenova, i have worked alongside chief constable jon boutcher. initially as part of the operation — boutcher. initially as part of the operation kenova independent group and then_ operation kenova independent group and then later as chair of the operation kenova governance board. i therefore _ operation kenova governance board. i therefore have a good understanding of the _ therefore have a good understanding of the complex work carried out and the challenges faced. i fully endorse the findings and recommendations in today's report

and it_ recommendations in today's report and it is_ recommendations in today's report and it is only right that they are presented — and it is only right that they are presented byjon boutcher this presented by jon boutcher this morning — presented byjon boutcher this morning as it is his report, it is his insight, _ morning as it is his report, it is his insight, his findings and his recommendations. beforejon his insight, his findings and his recommendations. before jon boutcher takes us _ recommendations. before jon boutcher takes us through the report, i want to outline _ takes us through the report, i want to outline the next steps for operation kenova. this is the interim — operation kenova. this is the interim report, initially designed to ensure — interim report, initially designed to ensure operation kenova's key findings _ to ensure operation kenova's key findings would be made public in advance — findings would be made public in advance of any prosecutorial decisions in the overwhelming legitimate public interest in matters investigated. the public prosecution service for northern ireiand — prosecution service for northern ireland has now publicly announced all of— ireland has now publicly announced all of its _ ireland has now publicly announced all of its decisions relating to the stakeknife case files submitted by operation kenova and there will be no stakeknife related prosecutions. i no stakeknife related prosecutions.

i must _ no stakeknife related prosecutions. i must stress nevertheless, our work does not _ i must stress nevertheless, our work does not end — i must stress nevertheless, our work does not end today. we will now move to providing _ does not end today. we will now move to providing families with independent reports —— individual reports _ independent reports —— individual reports to— independent reports —— individual reports to provide clarity of what happened to their loved ones, to provide _ happened to their loved ones, to provide the truth that they have been _ provide the truth that they have been denied for so long. those family— been denied for so long. those family reports will be presented by our team _ family reports will be presented by our team to individual families through— our team to individual families through private briefings. we will then move to publish a final report which _ then move to publish a final report which will— then move to publish a final report which will tell the full story of operation kenova's investigation into stakeknife. in relation to the stakeknife investigations, i consider it important to underline the costs— consider it important to underline the costs of and resources allocated to operation kenova. it will also cover— to operation kenova. it will also cover a — to operation kenova. it will also covera number of to operation kenova. it will also cover a number of critical investigations and reviews for which we have _ investigations and reviews for which we have responsibility. the murder

ofjean _ we have responsibility. the murder ofjean smith campbell in 1972. the murder— ofjean smith campbell in 1972. the murder of— ofjean smith campbell in 1972. the murder of three ruc officers in 1982 _ murder of three ruc officers in 1982 and _ murder of three ruc officers in 1982. and the analytical review that came _ 1982. and the analytical review that came from — 1982. and the analytical review that came from the bar in ourjudgment relating _ came from the bar in ourjudgment relating to— came from the bar in ourjudgment relating to the so—called series being _ relating to the so—called series being conducted under operation denton — being conducted under operation denton. following this morning's briefings. — denton. following this morning's briefings, i will be available to take any— briefings, i will be available to take any questions in regard to operation kenova's next step but at this stage _ operation kenova's next step but at this stage i— operation kenova's next step but at this stage i will pass over to chief constable — this stage i will pass over to chief constable jon boutcher. good morning. _ constable jon boutcher. good morning, everybody. - constable jon boutcher. good morning, everybody. thank. constable jon boutcher. good l morning, everybody. thank you constable jon boutcher. good morning, everybody. thank you for coming _ morning, everybody. thank you for coming we — morning, everybody. thank you for coming we are _ morning, everybody. thank you for coming. we are here _ morning, everybody. thank you for coming. we are here today- morning, everybody. thank you for. coming. we are here today releasing the operation — coming. we are here today releasing the operation kenova _ coming. we are here today releasing the operation kenova interim - coming. we are here today releasing the operation kenova interim reportl the operation kenova interim report which _ the operation kenova interim report which i _ the operation kenova interim report which i submitted _ the operation kenova interim report which i submitted to— the operation kenova interim report which i submitted to the _ the operation kenova interim report which i submitted to the police - which i submitted to the police service — which i submitted to the police service of— which i submitted to the police service of northern _ which i submitted to the police service of northern ireland - which i submitted to the police . service of northern ireland shortly before _ service of northern ireland shortly before i_ service of northern ireland shortly before i was— service of northern ireland shortly before i was appointed _ service of northern ireland shortly before i was appointed chief - before i was appointed chief constable _ before i was appointed chief constable astor _ before i was appointed chief constable astor pope. - before i was appointed chief constable astor pope. i - before i was appointed chiefl constable astor pope. i want before i was appointed chief. constable astor pope. i want to begin— constable astor pope. i want to begin by— constable astor pope. i want to

begin by reminding _ constable astor pope. i want to begin by reminding everyone i constable astor pope. i want to begin by reminding everyone ofj constable astor pope. i want to - begin by reminding everyone of the overriding — begin by reminding everyone of the overriding mission _ begin by reminding everyone of the overriding mission of— begin by reminding everyone of the overriding mission of operation - overriding mission of operation kenova — overriding mission of operation kenova which _ overriding mission of operation kenova which are _ overriding mission of operation kenova which are delivering - overriding mission of operationj kenova which are delivering the truth _ kenova which are delivering the truth to— kenova which are delivering the truth to iegacv _ kenova which are delivering the truth to legacy families - kenova which are delivering the truth to legacy families about . kenova which are delivering the i truth to legacy families about what happened — truth to legacy families about what happened to — truth to legacy families about what happened to their— truth to legacy families about what happened to their loved _ truth to legacy families about what happened to their loved ones. - truth to legacy families about what i happened to their loved ones. many of these _ happened to their loved ones. many of these families _ happened to their loved ones. many of these families have _ happened to their loved ones. many of these families have endured - of these families have endured endless — of these families have endured endless delays, _ of these families have endured endless delays, setbacks - of these families have endured endless delays, setbacks and i endless delays, setbacks and unfulfilled _ endless delays, setbacks and unfulfilled promises - endless delays, setbacks and unfulfilled promises in - endless delays, setbacks and unfulfilled promises in their. endless delays, setbacks and - unfulfilled promises in their quest for the _ unfulfilled promises in their quest for the truth _ unfulfilled promises in their quest for the truth. their— unfulfilled promises in their quest for the truth. their strength, - for the truth. their strength, determination _ for the truth. their strength, determination and _ for the truth. their strength, determination and dignity i for the truth. their strength, i determination and dignity over for the truth. their strength, - determination and dignity over many years— determination and dignity over many years is— determination and dignity over many years is perhaps _ determination and dignity over many years is perhaps the _ determination and dignity over many years is perhaps the most _ years is perhaps the most inspirational— years is perhaps the most inspirational aspect- years is perhaps the most inspirational aspect of- years is perhaps the most. inspirational aspect of legacy years is perhaps the most - inspirational aspect of legacy and is a lesson — inspirational aspect of legacy and is a lesson to _ inspirational aspect of legacy and is a lesson to us _ inspirational aspect of legacy and is a lesson to us all. _ inspirational aspect of legacy and is a lesson to us all. it _ inspirational aspect of legacy and is a lesson to us all. it is - inspirational aspect of legacy and is a lesson to us all. it is legacy i is a lesson to us all. it is legacy families— is a lesson to us all. it is legacy families who _ is a lesson to us all. it is legacy families who gave _ is a lesson to us all. it is legacy families who gave up _ is a lesson to us all. it is legacy families who gave up the - is a lesson to us all. it is legacy families who gave up the mostl is a lesson to us all. it is legacy - families who gave up the most under the good _ families who gave up the most under the good friday— families who gave up the most under the good friday agreement - families who gave up the most under the good friday agreement and - families who gave up the most under the good friday agreement and we l families who gave up the most under. the good friday agreement and we owe it to them _ the good friday agreement and we owe it to them to— the good friday agreement and we owe it to them to listen _ the good friday agreement and we owe it to them to listen to _ the good friday agreement and we owe it to them to listen to their— it to them to listen to their stories. _ it to them to listen to their stories, acknowledge - it to them to listen to their stories, acknowledge the i it to them to listen to their. stories, acknowledge the loss it to them to listen to their- stories, acknowledge the loss and tell them — stories, acknowledge the loss and tell them what— stories, acknowledge the loss and tell them what actually— stories, acknowledge the loss andj tell them what actually happened. the director— tell them what actually happened. the director of— tell them what actually happened. the director of public— tell them what actually happened. | the director of public prosecutions announced — the director of public prosecutions announced final— the director of public prosecutions announced final decisions - the director of public prosecutions announced final decisions on - the director of public prosecutions announced final decisions on the l announced final decisions on the last batch— announced final decisions on the last batch of— announced final decisions on the last batch of operation - announced final decisions on the last batch of operation kenova l

last batch of operation kenova investigation _ last batch of operation kenova investigation files _ last batch of operation kenova investigation files last - last batch of operation kenova investigation files last week. l last batch of operation kenoval investigation files last week. as last batch of operation kenova i investigation files last week. as a result— investigation files last week. as a result the — investigation files last week. as a result the kenova _ investigation files last week. as a result the kenova team _ investigation files last week. as a result the kenova team can - investigation files last week. as a - result the kenova team can complete its final— result the kenova team can complete its final report — result the kenova team can complete its final report and _ result the kenova team can complete its final report and individual - its final report and individual family— its final report and individual family reports— its final report and individual family reports for— its final report and individual family reports for those - its final report and individuall family reports for those most directly— family reports for those most directly affected. _ family reports for those most directly affected. this - family reports for those mostl directly affected. this process family reports for those most i directly affected. this process is actively— directly affected. this process is actively under— directly affected. this process is actively under way. _ directly affected. this process is actively under way. i— directly affected. this process is actively under way. i produced l directly affected. this process is l actively under way. i produced the kenova _ actively under way. i produced the kenova interim _ actively under way. i produced the kenova interim report— actively under way. i produced the kenova interim report to - actively under way. i produced the kenova interim report to allow - kenova interim report to allow certain — kenova interim report to allow certain key— kenova interim report to allow certain key findings _ kenova interim report to allow certain key findings to - kenova interim report to allow certain key findings to be - kenova interim report to allowl certain key findings to be made public— certain key findings to be made public and _ certain key findings to be made publicand in— certain key findings to be made public and in particular- certain key findings to be made public and in particular to - certain key findings to be made . public and in particular to confirm what _ public and in particular to confirm what many— public and in particular to confirm what many legacy— public and in particular to confirm what many legacy families - public and in particular to confirm what many legacy families have l what many legacy families have suspected — what many legacy families have suspected for— what many legacy families have suspected for a _ what many legacy families have suspected for a long _ what many legacy families have suspected for a long time - what many legacy families havej suspected for a long time about certain— suspected for a long time about certain patterns— suspected for a long time about certain patterns of— suspected for a long time about certain patterns of state - certain patterns of state intervention _ certain patterns of state intervention and - certain patterns of state - intervention and nonintervention certain patterns of state _ intervention and nonintervention in the mistreatment, _ intervention and nonintervention in the mistreatment, torture - intervention and nonintervention in the mistreatment, torture and - intervention and nonintervention in i the mistreatment, torture and murder of people _ the mistreatment, torture and murder of people accused _ the mistreatment, torture and murder of people accused of— the mistreatment, torture and murder of people accused of being _ the mistreatment, torture and murder of people accused of being state - of people accused of being state agents — of people accused of being state agents durihg _ of people accused of being state agents. during the _ of people accused of being state agents. during the troubles. - agents. during the troubles. concerns— agents. during the troubles. concerns were _ agents. during the troubles. concerns were raised - agents. during the troubles. concerns were raised with i agents. during the troubles. l concerns were raised with me agents. during the troubles. - concerns were raised with me that the government— concerns were raised with me that the government command - concerns were raised with me that the government command paper. concerns were raised with me that. the government command paper on legacy— the government command paper on legacv issued — the government command paper on legacv issued in— the government command paper on legacy issued injuly_ the government command paper on legacy issued in july 2021 _ the government command paper on legacy issued in july 2021 which - legacy issued in july 2021 which ultimately— legacy issued in july 2021 which ultimately mean _ legacy issued in july 2021 which ultimately mean that _ legacy issued in july 2021 which

ultimately mean that the - legacy issued in july 2021which| ultimately mean that the kenova findings — ultimately mean that the kenova findings might— ultimately mean that the kenova findings might not— ultimately mean that the kenova findings might not be _ ultimately mean that the kenova findings might not be publicly. findings might not be publicly reported _ findings might not be publicly reported i_ findings might not be publicly reported. i began— findings might not be publicly reported. i began writing - findings might not be publicly reported. i began writing this| reported. i began writing this report— reported. i began writing this report when— reported. i began writing this report when that _ reported. i began writing this report when that paper- reported. i began writing this report when that paper was l reported. i began writing this - report when that paper was published to ensure _ report when that paper was published to ensure the — report when that paper was published to ensure the findings _ report when that paper was published to ensure the findings set _ report when that paper was published to ensure the findings set out - report when that paper was published to ensure the findings set out today. to ensure the findings set out today were released. _ to ensure the findings set out today were released, notwithstanding - to ensure the findings set out todayl were released, notwithstanding new legacy— were released, notwithstanding new legacv legislation _ were released, notwithstanding new legacy legislation or— were released, notwithstanding new legacy legislation or any— legacy legislation or any prosecution _ legacy legislation or any prosecution decisions. l legacy legislation or any prosecution decisions. i| legacy legislation or any- prosecution decisions. i strongly believe — prosecution decisions. i strongly believe it— prosecution decisions. i strongly believe it is— prosecution decisions. i strongly believe it is now— prosecution decisions. i strongly believe it is now time _ prosecution decisions. i strongly believe it is now time to- prosecution decisions. i strongly believe it is now time to bring i prosecution decisions. i strongly. believe it is now time to bring the uncertainty — believe it is now time to bring the uncertainty and _ believe it is now time to bring the uncertainty and doubt _ believe it is now time to bring the uncertainty and doubt these - believe it is now time to bring the i uncertainty and doubt these families have faced _ uncertainty and doubt these families have faced to — uncertainty and doubt these families have faced to an _ uncertainty and doubt these families have faced to an end _ uncertainty and doubt these families have faced to an end and _ uncertainty and doubt these families have faced to an end and say- uncertainty and doubt these families have faced to an end and say to - uncertainty and doubt these familiesl have faced to an end and say to them officially, _ have faced to an end and say to them officially, you — have faced to an end and say to them officially, you are _ have faced to an end and say to them officially, you are not _ have faced to an end and say to them officially, you are not mad, _ have faced to an end and say to them officially, you are not mad, this - officially, you are not mad, this was happening _ officially, you are not mad, this was happening and _ officially, you are not mad, this was happening and this- officially, you are not mad, this was happening and this should i officially, you are not mad, this i was happening and this should not have happened _ was happening and this should not have happened. the _ was happening and this should not have happened. the interim - was happening and this should not| have happened. the interim report does _ have happened. the interim report does this — have happened. the interim report does this it— have happened. the interim report does this. it also _ have happened. the interim report does this. it also sets _ have happened. the interim report does this. it also sets out - have happened. the interim report does this. it also sets out lessonsl does this. it also sets out lessons learned _ does this. it also sets out lessons learned by— does this. it also sets out lessons learned by kenova _ does this. it also sets out lessons learned by kenova that _ does this. it also sets out lessons learned by kenova that i- does this. it also sets out lessons learned by kenova that i hope - does this. it also sets out lessonsj learned by kenova that i hope will be of _ learned by kenova that i hope will be of benefit _ learned by kenova that i hope will be of benefit to _ learned by kenova that i hope will be of benefit to the _ learned by kenova that i hope will be of benefit to the independent. be of benefit to the independent commission— be of benefit to the independent commission for— be of benefit to the independent commission for reconciliation - be of benefit to the independentl commission for reconciliation and information— commission for reconciliation and information recovery. _ commission for reconciliation and information recovery. during - commission for reconciliation and information recovery. during the i information recovery. during the troubles, — information recovery. during the troubles, state _ information recovery. during the troubles, state agents _ information recovery. during the troubles, state agents were - information recovery. during the troubles, state agents were in l information recovery. during the troubles, state agents were in a j troubles, state agents were in a battle _ troubles, state agents were in a battle between _ troubles, state agents were in a battle between the _ troubles, state agents were in a battle between the security- troubles, state agents were in a i battle between the security forces and the _ battle between the security forces and the provisional— battle between the security forces and the provisional ira. _ battle between the security forces

and the provisional ira. the - and the provisional ira. the security— and the provisional ira. the security forces— and the provisional ira. the security forces used - and the provisional ira. the security forces used security and the provisional ira. the - security forces used security agents to provide _ security forces used security agents to provide them _ security forces used security agents to provide them with _ security forces used security agents to provide them with intelligence i to provide them with intelligence about— to provide them with intelligence about the — to provide them with intelligence about the ira— to provide them with intelligence about the ira and _ to provide them with intelligence about the ira and other - to provide them with intelligence about the ira and other groups l to provide them with intelligence i about the ira and other groups and this plaved — about the ira and other groups and this played a — about the ira and other groups and this played a role _ about the ira and other groups and this played a role in— about the ira and other groups and this played a role in degrading - about the ira and other groups and this played a role in degrading its . this played a role in degrading its capabilities _ this played a role in degrading its capabilities. society— this played a role in degrading its capabilities. society owes - this played a role in degrading its capabilities. society owes many. this played a role in degrading itsi capabilities. society owes many of these _ capabilities. society owes many of these people _ capabilities. society owes many of these people and _ capabilities. society owes many of these people and their— capabilities. society owes many of these people and their handlers . capabilities. society owes many of. these people and their handlers are hu-e these people and their handlers are huge debt— these people and their handlers are huge debt of— these people and their handlers are huge debt of gratitude. _ these people and their handlers are huge debt of gratitude. in - these people and their handlers are i huge debt of gratitude. in response, the ira _ huge debt of gratitude. in response, the ira did _ huge debt of gratitude. in response, the ira did everything _ huge debt of gratitude. in response, the ira did everything it _ huge debt of gratitude. in response, the ira did everything it could - huge debt of gratitude. in response, the ira did everything it could to - the ira did everything it could to deter— the ira did everything it could to deter and — the ira did everything it could to deter and punish— the ira did everything it could to deter and punish possible - the ira did everything it could tol deter and punish possible agents. the ira did everything it could to - deter and punish possible agents. in particular. _ deter and punish possible agents. in particular. the — deter and punish possible agents. in particular, the group's— deter and punish possible agents. in particular, the group's internal- particular, the group's internal security— particular, the group's internal security unit was _ particular, the group's internal security unit was responsible i particular, the group's internal. security unit was responsible for punishment _ security unit was responsible for punishment beatings _ security unit was responsible for punishment beatings and - security unit was responsible for- punishment beatings and shootings, securing _ punishment beatings and shootings, securing coerced _ punishment beatings and shootings, securing coerced confessions - punishment beatings and shootings, securing coerced confessions and . punishment beatings and shootings,| securing coerced confessions and the abduction. _ securing coerced confessions and the abduction, torture _ securing coerced confessions and the abduction, torture and _ securing coerced confessions and the abduction, torture and murder- securing coerced confessions and the abduction, torture and murder of- abduction, torture and murder of suspected — abduction, torture and murder of suspected agents. _ abduction, torture and murder of suspected agents. at _ abduction, torture and murder of suspected agents. at times, - abduction, torture and murder of suspected agents. at times, the| suspected agents. at times, the families— suspected agents. at times, the families of— suspected agents. at times, the families of those _ suspected agents. at times, the families of those accused - suspected agents. at times, the families of those accused of- suspected agents. at times, the i families of those accused of being agents _ families of those accused of being agents including _ families of those accused of being agents including women, - families of those accused of being | agents including women, children, the elderly— agents including women, children, the elderly and _ agents including women, children, the elderly and even _ agents including women, children, the elderly and even those - agents including women, children, the elderly and even those with . the elderly and even those with learning —

the elderly and even those with learning disabilities _ the elderly and even those with learning disabilities were - the elderly and even those with learning disabilities were also . learning disabilities were also subjected _ learning disabilities were also subjected to _ learning disabilities were also subjected to violence - learning disabilities were also subjected to violence and - subjected to violence and humiliation— subjected to violence and humiliation by— subjected to violence and humiliation by the - subjected to violence and l humiliation by the internal subjected to violence and - humiliation by the internal security unit~ _ humiliation by the internal security unit~ as _ humiliation by the internal security unit~ as well— humiliation by the internal security unit~ as well as— humiliation by the internal security unit. as well as being _ humiliation by the internal security unit. as well as being intimidated. unit. as well as being intimidated and ostracised _ unit. as well as being intimidated and ostracised by— unit. as well as being intimidated and ostracised by the _ unit. as well as being intimidated and ostracised by the republicanl and ostracised by the republican leadership — and ostracised by the republican leadership no— and ostracised by the republican leadership. no one _ and ostracised by the republican leadership. no one should - and ostracised by the republican leadership. no one should be . and ostracised by the republican leadership. no one should be inl and ostracised by the republican. leadership. no one should be in any doubt _ leadership. no one should be in any doubt that— leadership. no one should be in any doubt that the — leadership. no one should be in any doubt that the wrongs _ leadership. no one should be in any doubt that the wrongs done - leadership. no one should be in any doubt that the wrongs done by - leadership. no one should be in any doubt that the wrongs done by the i doubt that the wrongs done by the "tits _ doubt that the wrongs done by the "tits internal— doubt that the wrongs done by the ira's internal security— doubt that the wrongs done by the ira's internal security run - doubt that the wrongs done by the ira's internal security run —— - doubt that the wrongs done by the ira's internal security run —— unitl ira's internal security run —— unit and those — ira's internal security run —— unit and those responsible were - ira's internal security run —— unit. and those responsible were utterly abhorrent — and those responsible were utterly abhorrent it— and those responsible were utterly abhorrent. it was _ and those responsible were utterly abhorrent. it was the _ and those responsible were utterly abhorrent. it was the ira - and those responsible were utterly. abhorrent. it was the ira leadership who commissioned _ abhorrent. it was the ira leadership who commissioned the _ abhorrent. it was the ira leadership who commissioned the unit- abhorrent. it was the ira leadership who commissioned the unit and - abhorrent. it was the ira leadership who commissioned the unit and the| who commissioned the unit and the abuse. _ who commissioned the unit and the abuse. torture _ who commissioned the unit and the abuse, torture and _ who commissioned the unit and the abuse, torture and murder- who commissioned the unit and the abuse, torture and murder of- who commissioned the unit and the abuse, torture and murder of so . abuse, torture and murder of so manv _ abuse, torture and murder of so manv there _ abuse, torture and murder of so many. there was _ abuse, torture and murder of so many. there was often - abuse, torture and murder of so many. there was often very- abuse, torture and murder of sol many. there was often very little interest — many. there was often very little interest in — many. there was often very little interest in the _ many. there was often very little interest in the truth. _ many. there was often very little interest in the truth. this- many. there was often very little interest in the truth. this was - interest in the truth. this was about— interest in the truth. this was about deterring _ interest in the truth. this was about deterring people - interest in the truth. this was about deterring people from i interest in the truth. this was - about deterring people from being agents _ about deterring people from being agents these _ about deterring people from being agents. these acts _ about deterring people from being agents. these acts were _ about deterring people from being . agents. these acts were perpetrated to intimidate — agents. these acts were perpetrated to intimidate and _ agents. these acts were perpetrated to intimidate and subjugate - agents. these acts were perpetrated to intimidate and subjugate the - to intimidate and subjugate the communitv _ to intimidate and subjugate the community. during _ to intimidate and subjugate the community. during the - to intimidate and subjugate the i community. during the troubles, to intimidate and subjugate the - community. during the troubles, the security— community. during the troubles, the security forces — community. during the troubles, the security forces operated _ community. during the troubles, the security forces operated in _ community. during the troubles, the security forces operated in a - security forces operated in a uniquely— security forces operated in a uniquely challenging - security forces operated in a - uniquely challenging environment.

when _ uniquely challenging environment. when provided _ uniquely challenging environment. when provided with _ uniquely challenging environment. when provided with secret - when provided with secret intelligence _ when provided with secret intelligence about - when provided with secret intelligence about the - when provided with secret. intelligence about the plans when provided with secret - intelligence about the plans and intentions — intelligence about the plans and intentions of _ intelligence about the plans and intentions of the _ intelligence about the plans and intentions of the provisional- intelligence about the plans and intentions of the provisional ira and other— intentions of the provisional ira and other such _ intentions of the provisional ira and other such groups, - intentions of the provisional ira and other such groups, they. intentions of the provisional ira| and other such groups, they had intentions of the provisional ira i and other such groups, they had to assess_ and other such groups, they had to assess risks — and other such groups, they had to assess risks and _ and other such groups, they had to assess risks and consequences - and other such groups, they had to| assess risks and consequences with limited _ assess risks and consequences with limited information, _ assess risks and consequences with limited information, guidance - assess risks and consequences with limited information, guidance or. limited information, guidance or training — limited information, guidance or training they— limited information, guidance or training. they did _ limited information, guidance or training. they did so _ limited information, guidance or training. they did so under- training. they did so under exceptionally— training. they did so under exceptionally stressful - training. they did so under- exceptionally stressful conditions and extreme _ exceptionally stressful conditions and extreme time _ exceptionally stressful conditions and extreme time pressure - exceptionally stressful conditions and extreme time pressure is. i exceptionally stressful conditions i and extreme time pressure is. they were _ and extreme time pressure is. they were sometimes— and extreme time pressure is. they were sometimes presented - and extreme time pressure is. they were sometimes presented with. were sometimes presented with dilemmas — were sometimes presented with dilemmas that— were sometimes presented with dilemmas that had _ were sometimes presented with dilemmas that had no _ were sometimes presented with dilemmas that had no right - were sometimes presented with- dilemmas that had no right answer. because _ dilemmas that had no right answer. because protecting _ dilemmas that had no right answer. because protecting one _ dilemmas that had no right answer. because protecting one individual. because protecting one individual would _ because protecting one individual would expose _ because protecting one individual would expose another. _ because protecting one individual would expose another. mistakesl because protecting one individual- would expose another. mistakes were inevitable _ would expose another. mistakes were inevitable. however, _ would expose another. mistakes were inevitable. however, a _ would expose another. mistakes were inevitable. however, a lack— would expose another. mistakes were inevitable. however, a lack of- inevitable. however, a lack of regulation, _ inevitable. however, a lack of regulation, oversight- inevitable. however, a lack of regulation, oversight and - inevitable. however, a lack of- regulation, oversight and leadership were also— regulation, oversight and leadership were also important _ regulation, oversight and leadership were also important factors. - regulation, oversight and leadership were also important factors. in - were also important factors. in particular. _ were also important factors. in particular, the _ were also important factors. in particular, the absence - were also important factors. in particular, the absence of- were also important factors. in particular, the absence of an. particular, the absence of an effective _ particular, the absence of an effective legal— particular, the absence of an effective legal policy- particular, the absence of an. effective legal policy framework governing — effective legal policy framework governing the _ effective legal policy framework governing the use _ effective legal policy framework governing the use of— effective legal policy framework governing the use of agents - effective legal policy framework. governing the use of agents during the troubles — governing the use of agents during the troubles was _ governing the use of agents during the troubles was a _ governing the use of agents during the troubles was a very _ governing the use of agents during the troubles was a very serious - the troubles was a very serious failing — the troubles was a very serious failing it — the troubles was a very serious failing it put— the troubles was a very serious failing. it put lives _ the troubles was a very serious failing. it put lives at _ the troubles was a very serious failing. it put lives at risk, - the troubles was a very serious failing. it put lives at risk, it. failing. it put lives at risk, it left — failing. it put lives at risk, it left those _ failing. it put lives at risk, it left those on _ failing. it put lives at risk, it left those on the _ failing. it put lives at risk, it left those on the front - failing. it put lives at risk, it left those on the front line i

failing. it put lives at risk, it- left those on the front line exposed and let _ left those on the front line exposed and let down — left those on the front line exposed and let down and _ left those on the front line exposed and let down and it _ left those on the front line exposed and let down and it fosters - left those on the front line exposed and let down and it fosters a - and let down and it fosters a maverick— and let down and it fosters a maverick culture _ and let down and it fosters a maverick culture for - and let down and it fosters a maverick culture for some i and let down and it fosters a - maverick culture for some where agent— maverick culture for some where agent handling _ maverick culture for some where agent handling was— maverick culture for some where agent handling was sometimes. maverick culture for some where - agent handling was sometimes seen as high-stakes _ agent handling was sometimes seen as high-stakes dark— agent handling was sometimes seen as high—stakes dark art _ agent handling was sometimes seen as high—stakes dark art and _ agent handling was sometimes seen as high—stakes dark art and was _ high—stakes dark art and was practised _ high—stakes dark art and was practised off— high—stakes dark art and was practised off the _ high—stakes dark art and was practised off the books. - high—stakes dark art and was practised off the books. this| high—stakes dark art and was - practised off the books. this was combined — practised off the books. this was combined with— practised off the books. this was combined with the _ practised off the books. this was combined with the evolution - practised off the books. this was combined with the evolution of l practised off the books. this was combined with the evolution of a i combined with the evolution of a situation — combined with the evolution of a situation whereby— combined with the evolution of a situation whereby intelligence i combined with the evolution of a i situation whereby intelligence and investigatorv— situation whereby intelligence and investigatory functions _ situation whereby intelligence and investigatory functions were - situation whereby intelligence and investigatory functions were seeni situation whereby intelligence and . investigatory functions were seen as separate _ investigatory functions were seen as separate the — investigatory functions were seen as separate. the security— investigatory functions were seen as separate. the security forces - separate. the security forces repeatedlv _ separate. the security forces repeatedly withheld - separate. the security forces repeatedly withheld and - separate. the security forces repeatedly withheld and did i separate. the security forces . repeatedly withheld and did not action— repeatedly withheld and did not action information _ repeatedly withheld and did not action information about - repeatedly withheld and did not| action information about threats repeatedly withheld and did not. action information about threats to life, abductions _ action information about threats to life, abductions and _ action information about threats to life, abductions and murders. - action information about threats to life, abductions and murders. in i life, abductions and murders. in order— life, abductions and murders. in order to — life, abductions and murders. in order to protect— life, abductions and murders. in order to protect agents - life, abductions and murders. in order to protect agents from - order to protect agents from compromise _ order to protect agents from compromise. as— order to protect agents from compromise. as a _ order to protect agents from compromise. as a result, i order to protect agents from - compromise. as a result, murders that could — compromise. as a result, murders that could and _ compromise. as a result, murders that could and should _ compromise. as a result, murders that could and should have - compromise. as a result, murders that could and should have been . that could and should have been prevented — that could and should have been prevented were _ that could and should have been prevented were allowed - that could and should have been prevented were allowed to - that could and should have been prevented were allowed to take i that could and should have been - prevented were allowed to take place with the _ prevented were allowed to take place with the knowledge _ prevented were allowed to take place with the knowledge of _ prevented were allowed to take place with the knowledge of the _ prevented were allowed to take place with the knowledge of the security. with the knowledge of the security forces _ with the knowledge of the security forces and — with the knowledge of the security forces. and those _ with the knowledge of the security forces. and those responsible - with the knowledge of the security forces. and those responsible fori forces. and those responsible for murder— forces. and those responsible for murder were _ forces. and those responsible for murder were not _ forces. and those responsible for murder were not brought- forces. and those responsible for murder were not brought to - forces. and those responsible for. murder were not brought tojustice and instead — murder were not brought tojustice and instead left— murder were not brought tojustice and instead left free _ murder were not brought tojustice and instead left free to _ murder were not brought tojustice and instead left free to reoffend i and instead left free to reoffend again~ _

and instead left free to reoffend again~ indeed. _ and instead left free to reoffend again. indeed, we— and instead left free to reoffend again. indeed, we could - and instead left free to reoffend again. indeed, we could not - and instead left free to reoffend| again. indeed, we could not find and instead left free to reoffend - again. indeed, we could not find any troubles— again. indeed, we could not find any troubles related _ again. indeed, we could not find any troubles related cases— again. indeed, we could not find any troubles related cases where - again. indeed, we could not find any troubles related cases where a - troubles related cases where a prosecution _ troubles related cases where a prosecution was _ troubles related cases where a prosecution was brought - troubles related cases where a prosecution was brought in - prosecution was brought in connection— prosecution was brought in connection with _ prosecution was brought in connection with a - prosecution was brought in connection with a victim i prosecution was brought in i connection with a victim who prosecution was brought in - connection with a victim who was murdered — connection with a victim who was murdered because _ connection with a victim who was murdered because they- connection with a victim who was murdered because they were - connection with a victim who was - murdered because they were accused or suspected of— murdered because they were accused or suspected of being _ murdered because they were accused or suspected of being an _ murdered because they were accused or suspected of being an agent. - murdered because they were accused or suspected of being an agent. that| or suspected of being an agent. that in itself— or suspected of being an agent. that in itself should _ or suspected of being an agent. that in itself should have _ or suspected of being an agent. that in itself should have sounded - or suspected of being an agent. that in itself should have sounded due i or suspected of being an agent. that in itself should have sounded due to| in itself should have sounded due to alarm _ in itself should have sounded due to alarm bells— in itself should have sounded due to alarm bells to — in itself should have sounded due to alarm bells to those _ in itself should have sounded due to alarm bells to those in _ in itself should have sounded due to alarm bells to those in charge - in itself should have sounded due to alarm bells to those in charge of- alarm bells to those in charge of the agencies _ alarm bells to those in charge of the agencies involved _ alarm bells to those in charge of the agencies involved should - alarm bells to those in charge of the agencies involved should ——| the agencies involved should —— should — the agencies involved should —— should any— the agencies involved should —— should any part _ the agencies involved should —— should any part of _ the agencies involved should —— should any part of the _ the agencies involved should —— should any part of the security. should any part of the security agencies — should any part of the security agencies reveal— should any part of the security agencies reveal information i should any part of the security| agencies reveal information —— receive — agencies reveal information —— receive information _ agencies reveal information —— receive information that - agencies reveal information —— receive information that was i agencies reveal information —— receive information that was al receive information that was a threat — receive information that was a threat to— receive information that was a threat to life, _ receive information that was a threat to life, they— receive information that was a threat to life, they would - receive information that was a threat to life, they would be l receive information that was a - threat to life, they would be bound to protect — threat to life, they would be bound to protect life~ _ threat to life, they would be bound to protect life. stakeknife - threat to life, they would be bound to protect life. stakeknife was - threat to life, they would be bound to protect life. stakeknife was the i to protect life. stakeknife was the codename — to protect life. stakeknife was the codename for— to protect life. stakeknife was the codename for an _ to protect life. stakeknife was the codename for an army— to protect life. stakeknife was the codename for an army agent - to protect life. stakeknife was the i codename for an army agent within the "tits _ codename for an army agent within the ira's internal— codename for an army agent within the ira's internal security- codename for an army agent within the ira's internal security unit - the ira's internal security unit whose — the ira's internal security unit whose true _ the ira's internal security unit whose true identity— the ira's internal security unit whose true identity has - the ira's internal security unit whose true identity has been. the ira's internal security unit. whose true identity has been the subject— whose true identity has been the subject of— whose true identity has been the subject of public— whose true identity has been the subject of public claims, - subject of public claims, speculation— subject of public claims, speculation and - subject of public claims, i speculation and litigation subject of public claims, - speculation and litigation for subject of public claims, _ speculation and litigation for some 20 years — speculation and litigation for some 20 years while _ speculation and litigation for some 20 years. while stakeknife - speculation and litigation for some 20 years. while stakeknife was - 20 years. while stakeknife was undoubtedly— 20 years. while stakeknife was undoubtedly a _ 20 years. while stakeknife was undoubtedly a valuable - 20 years. while stakeknife was undoubtedly a valuable asset . 20 years. while stakeknife was . undoubtedly a valuable asset who provided — undoubtedly a valuable asset who provided intelligence _ undoubtedly a valuable asset who provided intelligence about -

undoubtedly a valuable asset who provided intelligence about the i undoubtedly a valuable asset who. provided intelligence about the ira at considerable _ provided intelligence about the ira at considerable risk _ provided intelligence about the ira at considerable risk to _ provided intelligence about the ira at considerable risk to himself, - at considerable risk to himself, claims — at considerable risk to himself, claims that— at considerable risk to himself, claims that he _ at considerable risk to himself, claims that he was _ at considerable risk to himself, claims that he was responsible| at considerable risk to himself, i claims that he was responsible for saving _ claims that he was responsible for saving countless _ claims that he was responsible for saving countless or— claims that he was responsible for saving countless or hundreds - claims that he was responsible for saving countless or hundreds of. saving countless or hundreds of lives _ saving countless or hundreds of lives are — saving countless or hundreds of lives are hugely _ saving countless or hundreds of lives are hugely exaggerated. l saving countless or hundreds of- lives are hugely exaggerated. most importantly, — lives are hugely exaggerated. most importantly, these _ lives are hugely exaggerated. most importantly, these claims- lives are hugely exaggerated. most importantly, these claims belie - lives are hugely exaggerated. most importantly, these claims belie thej importantly, these claims belie the fact that _ importantly, these claims belie the fact that steak _ importantly, these claims belie the fact that steak knife _ importantly, these claims belie the fact that steak knife —— _ importantly, these claims belie the fact that steak knife —— stakeknife i fact that steak knife —— stakeknife was himself— fact that steak knife —— stakeknife was himself involved _ fact that steak knife —— stakeknife was himself involved in _ fact that steak knife —— stakeknife was himself involved in very- fact that steak knife —— stakeknife i was himself involved in very serious and unjustifiable _ was himself involved in very serious and unjustifiable criminality- was himself involved in very serious and unjustifiable criminality whilst l and unjustifiable criminality whilst operating — and unjustifiable criminality whilst operating as — and unjustifiable criminality whilst operating as an _ and unjustifiable criminality whilst operating as an agent _ and unjustifiable criminality whilst operating as an agent including i operating as an agent including murders~ — operating as an agent including murders~ the _ operating as an agent including murders. the claims— operating as an agent including murders. the claims about - operating as an agent including - murders. the claims about countless lives being _ murders. the claims about countless lives being saved _ murders. the claims about countless lives being saved by— murders. the claims about countless lives being saved by stakeknife - murders. the claims about countless lives being saved by stakeknife at. lives being saved by stakeknife at inherently— lives being saved by stakeknife at inherently implausible _ lives being saved by stakeknife at inherently implausible and - lives being saved by stakeknife at inherently implausible and should have rung — inherently implausible and should have rung further— inherently implausible and should have rung further alarm _ inherently implausible and should have rung further alarm bells. - inherently implausible and should| have rung further alarm bells. any serious _ have rung further alarm bells. any serious security _ have rung further alarm bells. any serious security and _ have rung further alarm bells. any serious security and intelligence . serious security and intelligence professional— serious security and intelligence professional hearing _ serious security and intelligence professional hearing an - serious security and intelligence professional hearing an agent. serious security and intelligence - professional hearing an agent being likened _ professional hearing an agent being likened to _ professional hearing an agent being likened to the — professional hearing an agent being likened to the goose _ professional hearing an agent being likened to the goose that _ professional hearing an agent being likened to the goose that laid - professional hearing an agent being likened to the goose that laid the l likened to the goose that laid the golden— likened to the goose that laid the golden eggs. _ likened to the goose that laid the golden eggs. as _ likened to the goose that laid the golden eggs, as stakeknife - likened to the goose that laid the golden eggs, as stakeknife was, i golden eggs, as stakeknife was, should _ golden eggs, as stakeknife was, should be — golden eggs, as stakeknife was, should be on— golden eggs, as stakeknife was, should be on the _ golden eggs, as stakeknife was, should be on the alert _ golden eggs, as stakeknife was, should be on the alert not - golden eggs, as stakeknife was, should be on the alert not leasti should be on the alert not least because — should be on the alert not least because the _ should be on the alert not least because the comparison - should be on the alert not least because the comparison is- should be on the alert not least l because the comparison is rooted should be on the alert not least - because the comparison is rooted in fables— because the comparison is rooted in fables and — because the comparison is rooted in fables and fairy— because the comparison is rooted in

fables and fairy tales. _ because the comparison is rooted in fables and fairy tales. to _ because the comparison is rooted in fables and fairy tales. to address i fables and fairy tales. to address speculation— fables and fairy tales. to address speculation to _ fables and fairy tales. to address speculation to the _ fables and fairy tales. to address speculation to the contrary, - fables and fairy tales. to address speculation to the contrary, i- fables and fairy tales. to addressj speculation to the contrary, i now make _ speculation to the contrary, i now make clear— speculation to the contrary, i now make clear that— speculation to the contrary, i now make clear that stakeknife - speculation to the contrary, i now make clear that stakeknife was i speculation to the contrary, i now i make clear that stakeknife was one individual — make clear that stakeknife was one individual we — make clear that stakeknife was one individual. we cannot _ make clear that stakeknife was one individual. we cannot know- make clear that stakeknife was one individual. we cannot know every. individual. we cannot know every occasion — individual. we cannot know every occasion when _ individual. we cannot know every occasion when information - individual. we cannot know every. occasion when information provided by stakeknife — occasion when information provided by stakeknife was _ occasion when information provided by stakeknife was used _ occasion when information provided by stakeknife was used to - occasion when information provided by stakeknife was used to avoid - occasion when information provided by stakeknife was used to avoid ori by stakeknife was used to avoid or prevent— by stakeknife was used to avoid or prevent harm. _ by stakeknife was used to avoid or prevent harm, but _ by stakeknife was used to avoid or prevent harm, but kenova - by stakeknife was used to avoid or prevent harm, but kenova has - prevent harm, but kenova has recovered _ prevent harm, but kenova has recovered and _ prevent harm, but kenova has recovered and reviewed - prevent harm, but kenova has recovered and reviewed some| prevent harm, but kenova has - recovered and reviewed some 90% of the written _ recovered and reviewed some 90% of the written intelligence _ recovered and reviewed some 90% of the written intelligence reports - the written intelligence reports attributed _ the written intelligence reports attributed to _ the written intelligence reports attributed to him. _ the written intelligence reports attributed to him. and - the written intelligence reports attributed to him. and my- the written intelligence reports - attributed to him. and my estimate of the _ attributed to him. and my estimate ofthe number— attributed to him. and my estimate of the number of _ attributed to him. and my estimate of the number of lives _ attributed to him. and my estimate of the number of lives saved - attributed to him. and my estimate of the number of lives saved in - of the number of lives saved in reliance — of the number of lives saved in reliance on _ of the number of lives saved in reliance on this _ of the number of lives saved in reliance on this information - of the number of lives saved in reliance on this information isi reliance on this information is between _ reliance on this information is between high _ reliance on this information is between high single - reliance on this information is between high single figures. reliance on this information is l between high single figures and reliance on this information is - between high single figures and low double _ between high single figures and low double figures, _ between high single figures and low double figures, and _ between high single figures and low double figures, and nowhere - between high single figures and low double figures, and nowhere near. double figures, and nowhere near hundreds — double figures, and nowhere near hundreds. crucially, _ double figures, and nowhere near hundreds. crucially, this - double figures, and nowhere near hundreds. crucially, this is - double figures, and nowhere near hundreds. crucially, this is not. double figures, and nowhere near hundreds. crucially, this is not a. hundreds. crucially, this is not a net estimate _ hundreds. crucially, this is not a net estimate because _ hundreds. crucially, this is not a net estimate because it - hundreds. crucially, this is not a net estimate because it does - hundreds. crucially, this is not a| net estimate because it does not take account _ net estimate because it does not take account of _ net estimate because it does not take account of the _ net estimate because it does not take account of the lives - net estimate because it does not take account of the lives lost - net estimate because it does not take account of the lives lost as. net estimate because it does not| take account of the lives lost as a consequence _ take account of the lives lost as a consequence of— take account of the lives lost as a consequence of stakeknife's - consequence of stakeknife's continued _ consequence of stakeknife's continued operation- consequence of stakeknife's continued operation as - consequence of stakeknife's continued operation as an i consequence of stakeknife's - continued operation as an agent. from _ continued operation as an agent. from what— continued operation as an agent. from what i_ continued operation as an agent. from what i have _ continued operation as an agent. from what i have seen, - continued operation as an agent. from what i have seen, i- continued operation as an agent. from what i have seen, i think. continued operation as an agent. from what i have seen, i think it| from what i have seen, i think it probable — from what i have seen, i think it probable that _ from what i have seen, i think it probable that this _ from what i have seen, i think it probable that this resulted - from what i have seen, i think it probable that this resulted in - from what i have seen, i think it. probable that this resulted in more lives being — probable that this resulted in more lives being lost— probable that this resulted in more lives being lost and _ probable that this resulted in more lives being lost and were _

probable that this resulted in more lives being lost and were saved. i lives being lost and were saved. most _ lives being lost and were saved. most fundamentally, _ lives being lost and were saved. most fundamentally, even - lives being lost and were saved. most fundamentally, even if - lives being lost and were saved. most fundamentally, even if it l lives being lost and were saved. - most fundamentally, even if it were possible. _ most fundamentally, even if it were possible, accurately _ most fundamentally, even if it were possible, accurately and _ most fundamentally, even if it were possible, accurately and reliable - most fundamentally, even if it were possible, accurately and reliable to| possible, accurately and reliable to say that _ possible, accurately and reliable to say that a — possible, accurately and reliable to say that a particular _ possible, accurately and reliable to say that a particular agent - possible, accurately and reliable to say that a particular agent within . possible, accurately and reliable to say that a particular agent within a | say that a particular agent within a terrorist _ say that a particular agent within a terrorist group _ say that a particular agent within a terrorist group did _ say that a particular agent within a terrorist group did more _ say that a particular agent within a terrorist group did more group- say that a particular agent within a l terrorist group did more group than -- did _ terrorist group did more group than -- did more — terrorist group did more group than -- did more good _ terrorist group did more group than —— did more good than— terrorist group did more group than —— did more good than harm, - terrorist group did more group than —— did more good than harm, the l —— did more good than harm, the morality— —— did more good than harm, the morality and _ —— did more good than harm, the morality and legality— —— did more good than harm, the morality and legality of— —— did more good than harm, the morality and legality of agents i morality and legality of agents doing — morality and legality of agents doing any— morality and legality of agents doing any harm _ morality and legality of agents doing any harm with— morality and legality of agents doing any harm with the - morality and legality of agents - doing any harm with the knowledge of or on behalf— doing any harm with the knowledge of or on behalf of— doing any harm with the knowledge of or on behalf of the _ doing any harm with the knowledge of or on behalf of the state _ doing any harm with the knowledge of or on behalf of the state is _ or on behalf of the state is something _ or on behalf of the state is something that _ or on behalf of the state is something that we - or on behalf of the state is something that we would i or on behalf of the state is - something that we would never, or on behalf of the state is _ something that we would never, ever allow— something that we would never, ever allow today~ — something that we would never, ever allow today. stakeknife's _ something that we would never, ever allow today. stakeknife's identity - allow today. stakeknife's identity has been — allow today. stakeknife's identity has been disclosed _ allow today. stakeknife's identity has been disclosed to _ allow today. stakeknife's identity has been disclosed to kenova, i has been disclosed to kenova, subject— has been disclosed to kenova, subject to _ has been disclosed to kenova, subject to obligations - has been disclosed to kenova, subject to obligations of - subject to obligations of confidentiality— subject to obligations of confidentiality which - subject to obligations of confidentiality which i l subject to obligations of - confidentiality which i remain subject to obligations of _ confidentiality which i remain bound by and _ confidentiality which i remain bound by and i_ confidentiality which i remain bound by and i cannot_ confidentiality which i remain bound by and i cannot make _ confidentiality which i remain bound by and i cannot make his— confidentiality which i remain bound by and i cannot make his name - confidentiality which i remain bound. by and i cannot make his name public without_ by and i cannot make his name public without official— by and i cannot make his name public without official authority. _ by and i cannot make his name public without official authority. thus - without official authority. thus far, without official authority. thus far. the — without official authority. thus far, the government _ without official authority. thus far, the government has - without official authority. thus . far, the government has refused without official authority. thus - far, the government has refused to -ive far, the government has refused to give such_ far, the government has refused to give such authority _ far, the government has refused to give such authority and _ far, the government has refused to give such authority and so - far, the government has refused to give such authority and so it - give such authority and so it stakeknife _ give such authority and so it stakeknife is _ give such authority and so it stakeknife is not _ give such authority and so it stakeknife is not named - give such authority and so it stakeknife is not named in. give such authority and so it i stakeknife is not named in this interim — stakeknife is not named in this interim report. _ stakeknife is not named in this interim report. however, - stakeknife is not named in this interim report. however, this i interim report. however, this position. _ interim report. however, this position. in— interim report. however, this position. in nty— interim report. however, this position, in my view, - interim report. however, this position, in my view, is - interim report. however, this position, in my view, is no i interim report. however, this - position, in my view, is no longer tenable — position, in my view, is no longer tenable i— position, in my view, is no longer tenable. i expect _

position, in my view, is no longer tenable. i expect the _ position, in my view, is no longerj tenable. i expect the government position, in my view, is no longer. tenable. i expect the government to authorise _ tenable. i expect the government to authorise kenova _ tenable. i expect the government to authorise kenova to _ tenable. i expect the government to authorise kenova to confirm - authorise kenova to confirm stakeknife's _ authorise kenova to confirm stakeknife's identity - authorise kenova to confirm stakeknife's identity in - authorise kenova to confirm stakeknife's identity in the i authorise kenova to confirm - stakeknife's identity in the final report — stakeknife's identity in the final report this— stakeknife's identity in the final report. this authorisation - stakeknife's identity in the final report. this authorisation will. stakeknife's identity in the final. report. this authorisation will not require _ report. this authorisation will not require any— report. this authorisation will not require any unique _ report. this authorisation will not require any unique departure, - report. this authorisation will not l require any unique departure, from its neither— require any unique departure, from its neither confirm _ require any unique departure, from its neither confirm or— require any unique departure, from its neither confirm or deny- require any unique departure, from its neither confirm or deny policy, i its neither confirm or deny policy, in connection _ its neither confirm or deny policy, in connection with _ its neither confirm or deny policy, in connection with the _ in connection with the identification - in connection with the identification of- in connection with the | identification of estate in connection with the - identification of estate agents. in connection with the _ identification of estate agents. the policy— identification of estate agents. the policy has — identification of estate agents. the policy has historically _ identification of estate agents. the policy has historically allowed - identification of estate agents. the policy has historically allowed for l policy has historically allowed for exemptions _ policy has historically allowed for exemptions i_ policy has historically allowed for exemptions. i completely- policy has historically allowed for exemptions. i completely agree i policy has historically allowed for. exemptions. i completely agree that state agents — exemptions. i completely agree that state agents need _ exemptions. i completely agree that state agents need to _ exemptions. i completely agree that state agents need to be _ exemptions. i completely agree that state agents need to be protected . exemptions. i completely agree that| state agents need to be protected by a cloak— state agents need to be protected by a cloak of— state agents need to be protected by a cloak of anonymity _ state agents need to be protected by a cloak of anonymity and _ state agents need to be protected by a cloak of anonymity and secrecy. . a cloak of anonymity and secrecy. otherwise, — a cloak of anonymity and secrecy. otherwise, they _ a cloak of anonymity and secrecy. otherwise, they will _ a cloak of anonymity and secrecy. otherwise, they will not - a cloak of anonymity and secrecy. otherwise, they will not come - otherwise, they will not come forward — otherwise, they will not come forward but— otherwise, they will not come forward. but this _ otherwise, they will not come forward. but this cannot - otherwise, they will not come i forward. but this cannot confer immunity— forward. but this cannot confer immunity or— forward. but this cannot confer immunity or a _ forward. but this cannot confer immunity or a right _ forward. but this cannot confer immunity or a right to - forward. but this cannot confer immunity or a right to act - forward. but this cannot confer immunity or a right to act with| immunity or a right to act with impunity— immunity or a right to act with impunity and _ immunity or a right to act with impunity and no _ immunity or a right to act with impunity and no agent - immunity or a right to act with impunity and no agent can - immunity or a right to act with - impunity and no agent can lawfully be given— impunity and no agent can lawfully be given an — impunity and no agent can lawfully be given an absolute _ impunity and no agent can lawfully be given an absolute assurance - impunity and no agent can lawfully be given an absolute assurance of| be given an absolute assurance of perpetuat— be given an absolute assurance of perpetual anonymity _ be given an absolute assurance of perpetual anonymity come - be given an absolute assurance of perpetual anonymity come what l be given an absolute assurance of - perpetual anonymity come what may. the existing _ perpetual anonymity come what may. the existing strict _ perpetual anonymity come what may. the existing strict application - perpetual anonymity come what may. the existing strict application of - the existing strict application of ncn d_ the existing strict application of ncn d amounted _ the existing strict application of ncn d amounted to _ the existing strict application of ncn d amounted to a _ the existing strict application of ncn d amounted to a defect - the existing strict application of l ncn d amounted to a defect facto

immunity— ncn d amounted to a defect facto immunity from _ ncn d amounted to a defect facto immunity from criminal— ncn d amounted to a defect facto i immunity from criminal investigation and thus— immunity from criminal investigation and thus prosecution _ immunity from criminal investigation and thus prosecution of— immunity from criminal investigation and thus prosecution of agents - and thus prosecution of agents suspected _ and thus prosecution of agents suspected of— and thus prosecution of agents suspected of crimes _ and thus prosecution of agents suspected of crimes including. suspected of crimes including multiple _ suspected of crimes including multiple murders. _ suspected of crimes including multiple murders. when- suspected of crimes including multiple murders. when an l suspected of crimes including - multiple murders. when an agent has been a _ multiple murders. when an agent has been a suspect— multiple murders. when an agent has been a suspect of— multiple murders. when an agent has been a suspect of suspicion _ been a suspect of suspicion resulting _ been a suspect of suspicion resulting in _ been a suspect of suspicion resulting in their— been a suspect of suspicion resulting in their relocationj been a suspect of suspicion . resulting in their relocation or been a suspect of suspicion - resulting in their relocation or has died or— resulting in their relocation or has died or has— resulting in their relocation or has died or has been— resulting in their relocation or has died or has been the _ resulting in their relocation or has died or has been the subject - resulting in their relocation or has died or has been the subject of. died or has been the subject of allegations _ died or has been the subject of allegations or— died or has been the subject of allegations or findings - died or has been the subject of allegations or findings of- died or has been the subject of. allegations or findings of serious criminality, _ allegations or findings of serious criminality, the _ allegations or findings of serious criminality, the strength - allegations or findings of serious criminality, the strength of- allegations or findings of serious criminality, the strength of the i criminality, the strength of the case _ criminality, the strength of the case for— criminality, the strength of the case for protecting _ criminality, the strength of the case for protecting their- criminality, the strength of the i case for protecting their identity or suggesting _ case for protecting their identity or suggesting its _ case for protecting their identity or suggesting its confirmation . case for protecting their identity- or suggesting its confirmation might damage _ or suggesting its confirmation might damage national— or suggesting its confirmation might damage national security _ or suggesting its confirmation might damage national security is, - or suggesting its confirmation might damage national security is, in - or suggesting its confirmation might damage national security is, in my. damage national security is, in my view, _ damage national security is, in my view, considerably— damage national security is, in my view, considerably weakened. - damage national security is, in my. view, considerably weakened. society and the _ view, considerably weakened. society and the courts— view, considerably weakened. society and the courts will— view, considerably weakened. society and the courts will generally - and the courts will generally support— and the courts will generally support ncnd _ and the courts will generally support ncnd based - and the courts will generally support ncnd based on - and the courts will generally support ncnd based on the| and the courts will generally - support ncnd based on the very reasonable _ support ncnd based on the very reasonable assumption- support ncnd based on the very reasonable assumption that - support ncnd based on the very reasonable assumption that the | support ncnd based on the very- reasonable assumption that the agent and security— reasonable assumption that the agent and security agencies _ reasonable assumption that the agent and security agencies have _ reasonable assumption that the agent and security agencies have acted - and security agencies have acted property— and security agencies have acted property and _ and security agencies have acted properly and within _ and security agencies have acted properly and within the rule - and security agencies have acted properly and within the rule of. and security agencies have acted . properly and within the rule of law. where _ properly and within the rule of law. where this— properly and within the rule of law. where this is— properly and within the rule of law. where this is not— properly and within the rule of law. where this is not the _ properly and within the rule of law. where this is not the case, - properly and within the rule of law. where this is not the case, ncnd l

where this is not the case, ncnd shoutd _ where this is not the case, ncnd shoutd fatt— where this is not the case, ncnd should fall aside. _ where this is not the case, ncnd should fall aside. security - where this is not the case, ncnd l should fall aside. security agencies argue _ should fall aside. security agencies argue that — should fall aside. security agencies argue that to — should fall aside. security agencies argue that to step _ should fall aside. security agencies argue that to step away _ should fall aside. security agencies argue that to step away from - should fall aside. security agencies argue that to step away from ncnd will put _ argue that to step away from ncnd will put agents' _ argue that to step away from ncnd will put agents' lives _ argue that to step away from ncnd will put agents' lives at _ argue that to step away from ncnd will put agents' lives at risk, - will put agents' lives at risk, prevent— will put agents' lives at risk, - prevent recruitment and retention of those _ prevent recruitment and retention of those agents. — prevent recruitment and retention of those agents. yet _ prevent recruitment and retention of those agents, yet it— prevent recruitment and retention of those agents, yet it is— prevent recruitment and retention of those agents, yet it is those - those agents, yet it is those agencies _ those agents, yet it is those agencies that— those agents, yet it is those agencies that in _ those agents, yet it is those agencies that in these - those agents, yet it is those agencies that in these cases those agents, yet it is those - agencies that in these cases fail to protect— agencies that in these cases fail to protect agents _ agencies that in these cases fail to protect agents who _ agencies that in these cases fail to protect agents who risk _ agencies that in these cases fail to protect agents who risk their- agencies that in these cases fail to protect agents who risk their lives| protect agents who risk their lives for the _ protect agents who risk their lives for the state _ protect agents who risk their lives for the state. that _ protect agents who risk their lives for the state. that irony— protect agents who risk their lives for the state. that irony should i protect agents who risk their livesi for the state. that irony should not be lost _ for the state. that irony should not be lost on — for the state. that irony should not be lost on anyone _ for the state. that irony should not be lost on anyone and _ for the state. that irony should not be lost on anyone and it _ for the state. that irony should not be lost on anyone and it should - for the state. that irony should not be lost on anyone and it should be| be lost on anyone and it should be remembered — be lost on anyone and it should be remembered that— be lost on anyone and it should be remembered that not— be lost on anyone and it should be remembered that not all- be lost on anyone and it should be remembered that not all those - remembered that not all those accused — remembered that not all those accused of— remembered that not all those accused of being _ remembered that not all those accused of being agents - remembered that not all those accused of being agents wherej accused of being agents where agents~ — accused of being agents where agents~ there _ accused of being agents where agents. there are _ accused of being agents where agents. there are striking - agents. there are striking similarities— agents. there are striking similarities between- agents. there are striking - similarities between stakeknife and brian nelson, — similarities between stakeknife and brian nelson, another— similarities between stakeknife and brian nelson, another agent- similarities between stakeknife and brian nelson, another agent active| brian nelson, another agent active in northern— brian nelson, another agent active in northern ireland _ brian nelson, another agent active in northern ireland around - brian nelson, another agent active in northern ireland around the - brian nelson, another agent active i in northern ireland around the same time, _ in northern ireland around the same time, who— in northern ireland around the same time, who was— in northern ireland around the same time, who was falsely— in northern ireland around the same time, who was falsely claimed - in northern ireland around the same time, who was falsely claimed to - time, who was falsely claimed to have _ time, who was falsely claimed to have saved — time, who was falsely claimed to have saved countless _ time, who was falsely claimed to have saved countless lives, - time, who was falsely claimed to have saved countless lives, who| time, who was falsely claimed to - have saved countless lives, who was responsible — have saved countless lives, who was responsible for— have saved countless lives, who was responsible for very _ have saved countless lives, who was responsible for very serious - responsible for very serious criminality— responsible for very serious criminality and _ responsible for very serious criminality and was - responsible for very serious | criminality and was officially identified _ criminality and was officially identified as _ criminality and was officially identified as an _ criminality and was officially identified as an agent. - criminality and was officially identified as an agent. if - criminality and was officially| identified as an agent. if the government— identified as an agent. if the

government fails _ identified as an agent. if the government fails to - identified as an agent. if the i government fails to recognise identified as an agent. if the - government fails to recognise that this case _ government fails to recognise that this case is— government fails to recognise that this case is indeed _ government fails to recognise that this case is indeed an _ government fails to recognise that this case is indeed an exception i government fails to recognise that. this case is indeed an exception and refuses _ this case is indeed an exception and refuses to— this case is indeed an exception and refuses to authorise _ this case is indeed an exception and refuses to authorise publication - this case is indeed an exception and refuses to authorise publication of l refuses to authorise publication of the final— refuses to authorise publication of the final unredacted _ refuses to authorise publication of the final unredacted kenova - refuses to authorise publication of| the final unredacted kenova report including _ the final unredacted kenova report including the — the final unredacted kenova report including the identity— the final unredacted kenova report including the identity of— including the identity of stakeknife, _ including the identity of stakeknife, its - including the identity of stakeknife, its reasons| including the identity of- stakeknife, its reasons would be rightfully— stakeknife, its reasons would be rightfully questioned _ stakeknife, its reasons would be rightfully questioned in - stakeknife, its reasons would be rightfully questioned in the - stakeknife, its reasons would be . rightfully questioned in the media, in partiament— rightfully questioned in the media, in parliament and _ rightfully questioned in the media, in parliament and most _ rightfully questioned in the media, in parliament and most likely- rightfully questioned in the media, in parliament and most likely the i in parliament and most likely the courts _ in parliament and most likely the courts the — in parliament and most likely the courts. the kenova _ in parliament and most likely the courts. the kenova interim - in parliament and most likely the | courts. the kenova interim report makes _ courts. the kenova interim report makes ten — courts. the kenova interim report makes ten recommendations. - courts. the kenova interim report- makes ten recommendations. firstly, to establish _ makes ten recommendations. firstly, to establish on — makes ten recommendations. firstly, to establish on a _ makes ten recommendations. firstly, to establish on a statutory— makes ten recommendations. firstly, to establish on a statutory basis - to establish on a statutory basis and with— to establish on a statutory basis and with express _ to establish on a statutory basis and with express statutory - to establish on a statutory basis . and with express statutory powers and with express statutory powers and duties — and with express statutory powers and duties an _ and with express statutory powers and duties an independent - and with express statutory powers - and duties an independent framework and duties an independent framework and apparatus — and duties an independent framework and apparatus for _ and duties an independent framework and apparatus for investigating - and apparatus for investigating northern— and apparatus for investigating northern ireland _ and apparatus for investigating northern ireland was _ and apparatus for investigating northern ireland was mac- and apparatus for investigating i northern ireland was mac legacy cases~ _ northern ireland was mac legacy cases. secondly, _ northern ireland was mac legacy cases. secondly, subject- northern ireland was mac legacy cases. secondly, subject all- northern ireland was mac legacy i cases. secondly, subject all public authorities— cases. secondly, subject all public authorities to _ cases. secondly, subject all public authorities to an _ cases. secondly, subject all public authorities to an unqualified - cases. secondly, subject all public authorities to an unqualified and l authorities to an unqualified and enforceabte _ authorities to an unqualified and enforceable legal— authorities to an unqualified and enforceable legal obligation - authorities to an unqualified and enforceable legal obligation to l enforceable legal obligation to cooperate _ enforceable legal obligation to cooperate with _ enforceable legal obligation to cooperate with and _ enforceable legal obligation to cooperate with and disclose i cooperate with and disclose information _ cooperate with and disclose information and _ cooperate with and disclose information and records - cooperate with and disclose information and records to i cooperate with and disclose - information and records to those charged — information and records to those charged with _

information and records to those charged with conducting - information and records to those i charged with conducting northern iretand's— charged with conducting northern iretand's tegacy _ charged with conducting northern ireland's legacy investigation - charged with conducting northern ireland's legacy investigation is l ireland's legacy investigation is under— ireland's legacy investigation is under a — ireland's legacy investigation is under a new— ireland's legacy investigation is under a new structure. -