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The PM has commissioned a new investigation into how MI5 provided misleading information to courts regarding conversations with a broadcaster.

The Premier's mandate follows requests from the superior court and legal tribunal, which both dismissed the intelligence agency's justifications about the situation.

Case Centers on Neo-Nazi Informant

This matter centers on a far-right state informant referred to as an unnamed source who abused his MI5 role to coerce his girlfriend, whom he assailed with a large knife.

Earlier this week, the Premier wrote to the regulatory head the commissioner directing him to undertake a new inquiry.

"I have formally directed a mandate to the Commissioner to commence this probe without delay."

He said that the tribunals "plan to employ the findings of this probe to decide their next steps in relation to the case of the individual."

Sir Keir noted that the oversight bodies had concluded that the Security Service's internal reviews into the inaccurate information "exhibited major operational shortcomings."

Revelations and Regret

Months ago, a news organization revealed that the intelligence agency had lied several tribunals while defending its management of the misogynistic informant, whom the broadcaster had sought to expose in a previous inquiry.

Arguing for secrecy, the intelligence agency told the courts it had stuck to its protocol of not confirming or denying agents' details.

Actually, MI5 had divulged the informant's position in discussions with a correspondent, as it tried to persuade the individual not to probe him. The service aggressively maintained its viewpoint until proof proving it was false was presented, including a documented call of one of the conversations.

Subsequent to these disclosures, MI5's head apologised. Two government reviews then occurred which cleared MI5 and its staff of intentional misconduct, claiming the inaccurate information was down to errors and inaccurate recall.

Courts Reject Explanations

But, in July, a body of judicial officials decided that the "reviews carried out by MI5 to date display major operational shortcomings" and that "the court cannot depend on their conclusions."

The judges said it would be "unwise" to determine whether to initiate contempt of court measures against any intelligence personnel before a additional review was conducted.

Later the same month, the oversight body also dismissed MI5's justifications and requested a comprehensive probe.

New Inquiry Underway

The renewed probe will be undertaken under the authority of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, who has oversight of the Security Service's surveillance activities. His department was also given inaccurate information by MI5 in the matter.

A source commented: "We are troubled that inaccurate evidence was presented to the High Court and legal panel. The head of MI5 has appropriately expressed regret for this significant shortcoming, both openly and to the tribunals."

"Each tribunal concluded that further investigation was essential to determine how incorrect evidence was provided to them. The government agreed with their advice and the Premier has tasked the appointed official – the oversight head – to head this inquiry. It would be unwise to speak additionally until it is concluded."