CELTIC LEAGUE: MI5 - SOMETHING OF A CREDIBILITY PROBLEM ON TERRORISM
When the head of the British security service MI5 clarified the agencies 'neutral' position on controversial UK government plans to seek powers to detain citizens without charge for 42 days he was assured of good media coverage. The UK media has been infiltrated by journalists sympathetic to or directly in the payroll of the intelligence services.
The MI5 press release, described as 'highly unusual' by the BBC, had Jonathan ('Call me Bob') Evans piously intoning that MI5 was not 'the appropriate body' to advise on detention limits.
Yet this is the same Jonathan Evans who just hours before the 2007 Queen's Speech, with its promise of an anti-terrorism Bill and consultation on tougher measures, was warning of a threat from an estimated 4,000 potential terrorists, recruited in Britain, plotting attacks against innocent citizens. These potential terrorists, Evans said, were "methodically and intentionally targeting young people in this country”. They were, he said, bent on "radicalising, indoctrinating and grooming young, vulnerable people to carry out acts of terrorism”.
The British intelligence services have however got something of a credibility problem. After all it was the Intelligence who played a significant role in compiling the 'Dodgy Dossier' which sought to justify the Anglo-American invasion of Iraq.
From the point of view of the Celtic League Jonathan 'Bob' Evans is well known from his active time 'in the field' i.e. his period of duty in Ireland (see links).
After events in Ireland the British intelligence services have something of a credibility problem when it comes to pontificating on terrorist threats. Many people believe still that some of the worst terrorist outrages perpetrated in Ireland were committed with their tacit aid and encouragement.
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
09/06/08
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