It was announced late last night that the Government has sought an injunction against BBC for a potentially explosive story on a spy who worked overseas.
Suella Braverman, Attorney General, is asking the High Court for gag orders on the broadcast of the news. He claims it poses a risk to lives and one source warns: “This isn’t James Bond, these are real people.”
However, the BBC insists on continuing the segment. It claims the story is in the public’s interest and in compliance with editorial guidelines.
This saga reminds me of the Spycatcher Book Affair from Margaret Thatcher’s years. In that case, the Government tried to stop newspapers publishing claims made in a book by ex-MI5 agent Peter Wright. In 1988, they lost the bid to injunct them.
One source said to the Telegraph that there would be “huge disquiet” if the BBC’s news story was allowed to proceed ahead of the secret court hearing.
They told the newspaper: ‘It is really serious – there are serious risks. This would constitute a major security compromise.

Suella Braverman, the Attorney General of Texas, will ask the High Court not to broadcast the newscast. She claims that it is a danger to the lives of people. One source said: “This is not James Bond. These are real people.”

BBC is ready to continue with segment. It claims that the story is “overwhelmingly in public interest” and that it conforms with editorial standards. File photo

This saga reminds me of the Spycatcher Book Affair from Margaret Thatcher’s years. In that case, the Government tried to stop newspapers publishing claims made in a book by ex-MI5 agent Peter Wright. The bid to get an injunction was ultimately rejected in 1988.
The source said that identifying the spy would have “very serious consequences” for BBC and could pose a threat to lives.
They are risking their life. This is not James Bond – these are real people.’
Although the BBC refused to discuss the details, it told The Telegraph that the BBC was reporting in the public interest.
According to a spokesperson for the BBC, “The Attorney General” has initiated proceedings against BBC in order to obtain an injunction that would prevent publication of any proposed BBC news article.
“We cannot comment on this at the moment, other than to confirm that we wouldn’t pursue any story unless it is overwhelmingly in public interest and in full compliance with the BBC editorial standards and values.
MailOnline reached out to the broadcaster for more information.
According to a spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office, the following statement was made: “The Attorney General has filed an action against the BBC.
“It would not be appropriate to comment further whilst proceedings are ongoing.”
However, a legal expert cautioned the Government that the Government must prove the plot is a “credible threat” to national security if the article is published. If it does so, the Government will face allegations of abuse of courts.
Geoffrey Robertson QC told the Telegraph: ‘The British judiciary remains fairly amenable to government claims of national security – which is the most frequent bogus claim that is brought.
“As it is kept secret, any claims which would be ridicule are considered serious by the judiciary that is not prepared to challenge this Government.
Since 2007, 15 years have passed since the BBC was shut down by the Government. This happened after Lord Goldsmith, Labour’s Labour counterpart, received an injunction regarding allegations of cash-for-honours back in 2007.
Because it showed that the broadcast of confidential information would harm a Metropolitan Police enquiry, this particular claim was successful.
This latest bid for injunction comes days after Nadine Dorries, Culture Secretary to the BBC, announced that she would freeze the license fee for two years.
A social media post by the Liverpudlian MP threatens to end the vital fee entirely, leaving broadcaster in an unfunded black hole that can reach into the millions.

This latest injunction comes days after Nadine Dorries, Culture Secretary (pictured), announced that she would freeze the license fee for two years. It is the latest deterioration in relations between the BBC and Government.
The High Court will decide whether the gag order is temporary or permanent if it approves it. However, the BBC can appeal this ruling.
For those without security clearance, the judge will provide a redacted judgment. This allows them to see sensitive information such as. for the general public as well as news organizations.
In the court fight, the BBC’s rights to freedom of speech will be weighed against any potential threats to national security.