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Northern Ireland Troubles Operation Kenova 2025-12-09

09 December 2025

Lead MP

Gavin Robinson

Debate Type

Urgent Question

Tags

Northern Ireland
Other Contributors: 17

At a Glance

Gavin Robinson raised concerns about northern ireland troubles operation kenova 2025-12-09 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
Will the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland make a statement on the latest publication from Operation Kenova and the Government’s response to its findings?

Government Response

Northern Ireland
Government Response
I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his question. I inform the House that I will lay a written ministerial statement on this matter later today. Operation Kenova has published its final report, which covers the activities of the alleged agent Stakeknife and other investigations referred to it by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The Kenova team led by Sir Iain Livingstone and Jon Boutcher did exemplary work in building trust with families and providing answers about what happened to their loved ones. Operation Turma, part of Kenova, resulted in the prosecution of an individual extradited from Ireland for the murder of three RUC officers. Operation Kenova established no evidence of criminal offences by Stakeknife or their handlers at a high level. However, it found disturbing behavior and collusion between individuals and loyalist paramilitaries. The Government will respond to Denton report findings when published, considering ongoing legal proceedings. In August, the Government responded to Kenova's request for naming Stakeknife but noted pending litigation. I commend reforms in agent handling practices over decades, now regulated by strict oversight bodies like the Investigatory Powers Commissioner and Tribunal.
Assessment & feedback
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