Security Service

synonyms: MI5 Security Service (popularly know as 'MI5') is the United Kingdom's (UK) security intelligence agency. MI5 states its objectives as: "to protect national security from threats such as terrorism, espionage and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, to safeguard the economic well-being of the UK against foreign threats, and to support the law enforcement agencies in preventing and detecting serious crime." (source: Security Service web site). Secret Intelligence Service ('MI6') deals mainly with security intelligence overseas. It is likely that MI5 took a serious interest in Northern Ireland affairs around 1970 with the emergence of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA). The imposition of 'Direct Rule' on 30 March 1972 would have resulted in a greater role for MI5 in the region. The role of MI5 within Northern Ireland was only officially acknowledged in 1989 when the Secretary of State was empowered to authorise specific bugging or burglaries by MI5 agents. The powers were part of the Security Service Act 1989. Kenneth Clarke, then British Home Secretary, announced in 1992 (?) that MI5 would have lead responsibility for gathering intelligence on the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in Britain; this role was formerly undertaken by Scotland Yard Special Branch. Prior to 1992 MI5 had been responsible for gathering intelligence on Loyalist paramilitary groups in Britain.