MI5 facts for kids

Part of Thames House

MI5, also known as the Security Service, is a very important organization in the United Kingdom. Its main job is to protect the country from dangers inside its borders. Think of them as the UK's secret protectors, working to keep everyone safe from serious threats like terrorism or spying.

What is MI5?

MI5 is one of three main intelligence agencies in the UK. An intelligence agency collects secret information to help a government protect its country. MI5 focuses on protecting the UK from threats that come from within the country. This includes stopping spies from other countries and preventing serious crimes like terrorism.

How MI5 Protects the UK

MI5's main role is called counter-intelligence. This means they work to stop other countries from spying on the UK. They also gather information about groups or people who might want to harm the UK. This information is then given to the government so they can make decisions to keep everyone safe.

Working with Other Agencies

MI5 works closely with other important groups. The Secret Intelligence Service, often called MI6, handles intelligence gathering outside the UK. So, MI5 looks inside the UK, and MI6 looks outside. Another agency, the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), is in charge of listening to and understanding secret communications.

MI5 and the Police

MI5 staff do not have the power to arrest people themselves. Instead, they work with a special part of the police called Special Branch. Special Branch is now part of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command. MI5 gathers information and then tells Special Branch what they have found. Special Branch then carries out arrests and questions suspects.

Secret Work and Rules

The work that MI5 does is very secret. All of its employees must follow the Official Secrets Act. This law means they cannot share any secret information they learn during their work. The main goals and tasks for MI5 are decided by a group called the Joint Intelligence Committee. Inside the security services, MI5 is sometimes called "Box 500." This nickname comes from its old secret postal address during wartime.

Images for kids

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  Dame Stella Rimington, the first female Director General of MI5