The problem with all these spook stories is that they can only ever be speculation, and the general public love a conspiracy theory so hungrily gobble up any controversial story as gospel. For example, a clever code breaker dies in mysterious circumstances. It might well be iffy/criminal or sexual. Someone knows the truth, but we will never know. I agree, Scotland Yard are not exactly a trustworthy source of info, but neither are the KGB (who the Mirror are quoting as the source!)!!!
As for Cyril Smith's dossier, as bad as that was (if true, and I tend to believe it is true), that was 40+ years ago and I reckon Mi5 has changed beyond all recognition since then. In the 70s they did not officially exist, so had no HQ building or staff. But we all knew Mi5 did exist and 'recruited' from Oxbridge and similar
Now they declare of occupying two buildings (a HQ in London and another in Belfast), plus they admit of having regional offices around the UK. They have a really informative website and recruit openly on the internet.
Dont get me wrong, I do not walk around wearing blinkers and I am as suspicious and distrusting as the next bloke, but I wonder how frustrating it must be for a member of staff at Mi5 who has worked preventing an attack, but cannot mention it down the pub as the public will never know (to protect sources etc). Instead, that member of staff has to listen to us lot slagging Mi5 off without really knowing much about them or what they do!
It's a shame they dont do open days, as I would certainly be interested to have a look around their HQ
