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The Security Service, also known as MI5 (Military Intelligence, Section 5), is the United Kingdom's domestic counter-intelligence and security agency and is part of its intelligence machinery alongside the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), and Defence Intelligence (DI).
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- 7 October 1909; 113 years ago, (as the Secret Service Bureau)
- Single Intelligence Account £3.711 billion (2021–22)
MI5 and MI6 are both intelligence agencies and often work closely together, but we have different missions. MI5 protects the UK's citizens and interests against national security threats...
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Sep 20, 2023 · The MI6 is often described as the UK’s equivalent to the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), whereas, MI5 is often compared to the NSA (National Security Agency) of the US. The MI5 is answerable to the Home Secretary of State, and the MI6 is to the Foreign Sectary.
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Historically, MI5’s focus was on counter-espionage directed against foreign subversion: today, it is focused on counter-terrorism work, fighting organised and cyber crime. MI5 works primarily in liaison with other agencies, particularly the Special Branch of the police.
- Queen Elizabeth I’s spymaster was a precursor to MI5. MI5’s earliest antecedent was Sir Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth I’s spymaster from 1573 and 1590.
- MI5 and MI6 were founded at the same time. At the turn of the 20th century, Herbert Asquith’s government became concerned about Germany’s imperial ambitions.
- There were 19 military intelligence divisions and 2 were ‘never used’ There have been 17 different military intelligence divisions in Britain – or possibly 19.
- MI6’s headquarters have featured in 4 James Bond films. MI6’s headquarters, the SIS Building, overlooks the Thames at Vauxhall Cross. The building’s architectural influences range from industrial modernism to Aztec temples.
How we work. Discover how MI5 works to protect against threats to national security through intelligence gathering techniques, partnerships and legislation.
The Security Service, also known as MI5, is the United Kingdom's domestic counter-intelligence and security agency and is part of its intelligence machinery alongside the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), and Defence Intelligence (DI).
