Former MI5 chief's book given approval given approval to go ahead
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Government "regretfully" allowed former MI5 head Dame Stella Rimington to publish her memoirs yesterday.
Despite fierce opposition from Whitehall, ministers decided they could no longer resist publication of the book Open Secret after Dame Stella agreed to make certain changes to the text.
Tony Blair, Home Secretary David Blunkett and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw made the decision that is believed to have been conveyed to Dame Stella by her successor Sir Stephen Lander.
The Home Office said yesterday: "The Government insisted on a number of changes on national security grounds, to which she agreed. The Government regrets and disapproves of the decision to publish the book but nevertheless the concerns have been answered."
"She was informed today that the Government would not resist publication of the book. She had submitted the manuscript for clearance back in February 2000 and it has received long and careful consideration in Whitehall."
A spokeswoman for Random House, which is expected to publish the memoirs this autumn, said they were "delighted" to get formal authorisation.
Dame Stella, 65, who became the first head of MI5 to have her identity revealed in 1992, was heavily criticised for her decision to publish the book for which she is believed to have received a £125,000 advance.
But she said she had been fortunate to be in "a central position during a time of great change in the security scene", insisting she wanted to explain her role as a woman in a man's world at the service
She threatened to invoke the Human Rights Act, enshrining the right to freedom of expression, if the Government tried to block the book.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments