UK Security Services

In the United Kingdom, the umbrella term security services refers to the UK government agencies collectively responsible for espionage, counterespionage, counterterrorism and other covert activities.

This typically means:

  • Security Service, more commonly known as MI5
  • Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), more commonly known as MI6

Some people also count Special Branch and the Metropolitan Police Anti-Terrorist Branch as part of the security services.

United Kingdom intelligence agencies and organisations
Current agencies
  • Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
  • Security Service (MI5)
  • Secret Intelligence Service (MI6)
  • Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS)
  • Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA)
  • Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC)
Defunct agencies
  • MI1 (code breaking)
  • MI2 (geographic info)
  • MI3 (geographic info)
  • MI4 (maps and aerial photos)
  • MI7 (propaganda)
  • MI8 (signals intelligence)
  • MI9 (resistance aid)
  • MI10 (technical analysis)
  • MI11 (military security)
  • MI12 (censorship)
  • MI14 (Germany desk)
  • MI15 (aerial defence)
  • MI16 (scientific intelligence)
  • MI17 (secretariat)
  • MI19 (interrogation)
  • Naval Intelligence Division
  • Committee of Imperial Defence
  • Directorate of Military Intelligence

Famous quotes containing the words security and/or services:

    “There is something that Governments care for far more than human life, and that is the security of property, and so it is through property that we shall strike the enemy.... Be militant each in your own way.... I incite this meeting to rebellion.”
    —Emmeline Pankhurst (1858–1928)

    “O, the difference of man and man!
    To thee a woman’s services are due.”
    —William Shakespeare (1564–1616)