‘Witness Z’ is a senior officer of the Security Service (MI5) who gave evidence in a corporate capacity. The statement was made on 22 March 2021 and focuses on the years 1968-1982.
A subsequent witness statement was provided by ‘Witness Y’, covering the years 1983-1992.
In the statement, Witness Z stated that they have been employed by the Security Service for more than 30 years. At the time the statement was signed, they held a senior management role within the MI5’s covert human intelligence operations.
The statement is described as a corporate witness statement, drafted with assistance from other Security Service staff and legal counsel.
Witness Z states that they provide an overview of the Security Service’s roles and responsibilities from 1968 to the present, its understanding of the Special Branch's and the Special Demonstration Squad's roles, and the liaison between MI5 and the SDS from 1968 to 1982.