MI5 was told that prosecutors lied to journalists about their decision not to press charges against the late MP Cyril Smith, but took no action as its role was “to defend the realm”, an inquiry has heard. Speaking on Monday, the lead counsel, Brian Altman QC, said the inquiry had contacted MI5 to ask for any information it had on the allegations against Smith. The security service provided documents showing it had been informed about “false representations to the press” by the DPP’s office. The inquiry heard that when the DPP’s office was approached by the publication it said it had “failed to find a file relating to Cyril Smith”. The inquiry heard that Margaret Thatcher, the prime minister at the time, had probably been informed about the allegations against Smith before awarding him a knighthood in 1988.

Source: The Guardian October 09, 2017 14:18 UTC