National Archives releases historical MI5 files from 1933–1975
The October 22 release covers political surveillance, cultural figures and Soviet espionage in Britain.
What the record says
The UK National Archives announced on October 22, 2026, that a new collection of formerly secret or top-secret MI5 records is available. The documents concern events and people from 1933 to 1975. The archive says the collection covers political surveillance and Soviet espionage, including records about Operation FOOT, the September 1971 expulsion of 105 Soviet officials linked to espionage. The announcement says the released files can be viewed and downloaded through its Discovery catalogue.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Readers can use the official release and linked catalogue to examine the records in context.
Limits and what is not established
This is a current release of historical documents, not an announcement of a new espionage case. Being mentioned in a surveillance file does not by itself establish wrongdoing; the underlying files have not been independently analysed here.
Sources checked October 22, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
UK National Archives: original information