3rd Report - Operation Kenova: naming Stakeknife

The government's response

What the committee recommended 4

1. 1
   Naming agent Stakeknife is appropriate and in public interest for trust building Conclusion
2. 2
   Formally name agent Stakeknife to build public trust and confidence Recommendation
3. 3
   Operation Kenova's implications for legacy inquiries and reconciliation warrant ongoing monitoring Conclusion
4. 4
   Review the application of Neither Confirm Nor Deny in all legacy related cases Recommendation

Sources

• 3rd Report - Operation Kenova: naming Stakeknife ↗The committee's report, HC 1580, parliament.uk

Recommendations and conclusions 4

1. 1
   Naming agent Stakeknife is appropriate and in public interest for trust building Conclusion · addressed to Northern Ireland Executive; Northern Ireland Office Conclusion (the committee's words)

   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 risk, discourage existing agents from continuing their work, or deter the recruitment of new agents. We are strongly of the view that, for this single case, naming Stakeknife would help to build trust and confidence in the agencies of the state among all communities. Our conclusion is reinforced by the understanding that a discrete decision to name in this instance would also indicate to agents guilty of conduct beyond acceptable limits that they will not be protected or shielded from the consequences of their actions. (Conclusion, Paragraph 16)
2. 2
   Formally name agent Stakeknife to build public trust and confidence Recommendation · addressed to Northern Ireland Executive; Northern Ireland Office Recommendation (the committee's words)

   The Government should formally name agent Stakeknife. (Recommendation, Paragraph 17) Outstanding Kenova recommendations
3. 3
   Operation Kenova's implications for legacy inquiries and reconciliation warrant ongoing monitoring Conclusion · addressed to Northern Ireland Executive; Northern Ireland Office Conclusion (the committee's words)

   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 recommendations. (Conclusion, Paragraph 20)
4. 4
   Review the application of Neither Confirm Nor Deny in all legacy related cases Recommendation · addressed to Northern Ireland Executive; Northern Ireland Office Recommendation (the committee's words)

   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