Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
3rd Report - Operation Kenova: naming Stakeknife
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
HC 1580
Published 9 February 2026
Recommendations
2
Formally name agent Stakeknife to build public trust and confidence
Recommendation
The Government should formally name agent Stakeknife. (Recommendation, Paragraph 17) Outstanding Kenova recommendations
Northern Ireland Office
View Details →
4
Review the application of Neither Confirm Nor Deny in all legacy related cases
Recommendation
The Government should review, in consultation with MI5 and the PSNI, the application of NCND in all legacy related cases, considering specifically the principles outlined in this Report. (Recommendation, Paragraph 21) 11
Northern Ireland Office
View Details →
Conclusions (2)
1
Conclusion
It is not normal practice to name agents of the state, but in this one instance it is appropriate, proportionate and strongly in the public interest for the Government to name the agent known as Stakeknife. We have been reassured that naming Stakeknife would not put any active agents at …
3
Conclusion
The implications of Operation Kenova’s investigations, for future legacy inquiries, the policy of Neither Confirm Nor Deny and the Government’s approach to reconciliation, are of considerable continuing interest to us. Through ongoing and bespoke pieces of work, we plan to monitor Government progress on the implementation of Kenova’s conclusions and …