Moving On

GCHQ has announced that it has closed its office in Palmer Street, London. The site had been in use since 1953 and provided a London base for the agency that has its headquarters in Cheltenham. This was necessary because most of the agencies GCHQ liaises with are in London. The …

NCSC influence growing

Following the news that the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is growing in power and influence (see “New Store Coming Soon” – March 1), the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, chaired by Margaret Beckett, has recommended that there should be a Cabinet member who is recognised as …

The Privilege of Rank

5 March: Former SIS Chief Sir Richard Dearlove has written an open letter to the UK’s Daily Telegraph along with 33 pro-Brexit academics and business leaders. The letter praises Brexit as offering “immediate opportunities” and criticises Prime Minister Theresa May’s proposed deal as “disastrous”. Dearlove’s right-wing political affiliations are no …

London Postal Bombs

Three incendiary devices have been posted to addresses at London Heathrow Airport, London City Airport and Waterloo Mainline Railway Station. Each device was in a Jiffy bag and designed to detonate upon opening. Only one device was set off. The other two devices have been taken intact. Police are believed …