‘The State is assassinating people.’ These chilling words, allegedly sent to Tony Blair in 1999, summarize the consequences of Britain’s decades-long intelligence war in Northern Ireland, where state forces crossed a line guided by a secret 1980 review that prioritized intelligence gathering above the law.

This meticulously researched book by John Ware reveals the inside story of the creation of a vast, covert agent-running machine that deeply penetrated loyalist and republican organizations. Supporters argue this policy saved lives and aided the Good Friday Agreement, while critics contend it licensed murder and corrupted policing. This work details the attritional battle between detectives/lawyers and the powerful ‘securocracy’ determined to protect its secrets.

Key Revelations

• Examines the decades-long struggle to expose the truth behind Britain’s intelligence operations in Northern Ireland.
• Focuses on two notorious agents: Brian Nelson and Freddie Scappaticci.
• Details how the State fought to control the narrative, silence scrutiny, and preserve its legacy.
• Uncovers how a secret 1980 review rewired Britain’s war, placing intelligence gathering above legal constraints.

Specifications

• Author: Ware, John
• Publisher: Merrion Press
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Print Length: 392 pages
• Publication Date: June 4, 2026
• ISBN-10: 1785375806
• ISBN-13: 978-1785375804
• Dimensions: 153mm x 234mm x 25mm (Approx. 6.02 x 9.21 x 0.98 inches)
• Weight: 450 g

Dive into this essential history detailing the covert struggle within British intelligence and the fight for accountability concerning operations in Northern Ireland.