Spy denies MI5 are withholding intelligence from Priti Patel

A security service official who spoke on the condition of anonymity denied The Sunday Times report that the spy agency are withholding any information with the Home Secretary.

It was reported by the newspaper that the security service known as MI5 find Priti Patel “extremely difficult to deal with” as she fails to “grasp the subtleties of intelligence.”

It was further suggested that MI5 spies “roll the eyes” after Patel intervenes during high level meetings.

However, the security service source said, “No information is being withheld. Any report suggesting otherwise is simply wrong and does not serve the public interest.

“Reports suggesting that the Home Secretary and MI5 do not have a strong relationship are simply untrue.

“The Home Secretary is briefed daily on intelligence matters in exactly the same way as any previous post holder.”

The Home Office said in a statement on Monday morning, “The home secretary and permanent secretary are deeply concerned about the number of false allegations appearing in the media.

“They are focused on delivering on the Home Office’s hugely important agenda, which includes creating an immigration system that works for the UK, more police on the streets and keeping the public safe from terrorism.”