Government’s refusal to name Stakeknife for Kenova report ‘a major blow’ to families

Decision over spy’s identity criticised by leading lawyer

The late Freddie Scappaticci, who is widely believed to have been the IRA agent known as Stakeknife (PA)

The Government has refused to confirm the name of an MI5 agent who infiltrated the IRA for the final Operation Kenova report, it can be revealed.

The report centres on the activities of a top Army operative, codenamed Stakeknife, who embedded himself in the heart of the Provisional IRA as head of internal security.