Fact or Fiction? UK Intelligence Agencies’ Representation in the Press

In recent years, much has been written about the ‘openness’ of modern-day intelligence agencies and the role of the press. It has been argued that openness and wider engagement fits a pattern of manipulation, presenting a soften image of agencies to a wider audience and disseminating key national security themes. Through an analysis of five UK national newspapers between 2021 and 2023 – The Sun, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, The Times and The Guardian – this article assesses the impact of ‘openness’ on the reporting of intelligence and security matters in the UK and whether the so-called ‘lobby’ has shaped mainstream reporting, reflecting on the relationship between intelligence and the media more generally.