To report an imminent threat call 999 or ring the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321
Current national threat level: SEVERE Read more about threat levels >>
To report an imminent threat call 999 or ring the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321
Current national threat level: SEVERE Read more about threat levels >>
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- Sir Michael Hanley
Sir Michael Hanley (Director General 1972-76)
Sir Michael Hanley (1918–2001) served as an officer of the Royal Artillery during the Second World War. He became the Assistant Military Attaché in Budapest in 1946. He joined the Security Service in 1948.
In 1971, he became the Deputy Director General and was promoted to Director General the following year. During his time in office, he faced a difficult relationship with the Prime Ministers of the day. Harold Wilson wrongly suspected MI5 of plotting against him (see "The Wilson Plot") and James Callaghan decided to appoint a successor from outside the Service.
Latest News
view ALL NewsSeptember 2019 release of historical MI5 files
MI5 has released a new batch of historical files to The National Archives, where they are now available to view. The...
MI5 supports National Inclusion Week
For the fourth year in a row, MI5 is joining in with celebrations of National Inclusion Week.
Me, myself and MI5
Black History Month has given us the opportunity to reflect on how MI5 is perceived and experienced by black...
