Operation Kenova linked Stakeknife to at least 14 murders and 15 abductions, and suggested more lives were likely lost than saved, while NCND policy prevented confirmation of his identity.

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, joined by Kenova’s Sir Iain Livingstone and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, argues that naming Stakeknife would be in the public interest and help build trust across communities.

The committee’s report says identifying Stakeknife would demonstrate that agents who cross lines won’t be protected and would bolster trust among communities.

Kenova’s chief and the PSNI chief urged naming Stakeknife, arguing it would be in the public interest and would not put active agents at risk.

A UK Government spokesperson acknowledged disturbing conduct in Kenova’s report, noted reforms to agent handling, and said the government cannot yet respond to the request to name Stakeknife due to ongoing litigation and the Thompson judgment, with a pledge to update Parliament when possible.

The spokesman also highlighted reforms in agent handling and strict regulatory oversight, reiterating that ongoing litigation and the Thompson Supreme Court judgment prevent an immediate response.

The government stressed disturbing conduct in Kenova’s final report and said it will brief Parliament when possible, as it navigates ongoing litigation and related judgments.

The inquiry concluded Stakeknife’s actions likely caused more deaths or disappearances than lives saved, with identity masked due to NCND policy.

Kenova examined Stakeknife’s activities, linking him to multiple killings and abductions, and again noted identity could not be confirmed under government restrictions.

A Westminster committee urged the government to formally name the former IRA informant known as Stakeknife, widely believed to be Freddie Scappaticci, in light of Kenova’s findings and Supreme Court context.

The committee pressed for official identification of Stakeknife, referencing Kenova’s results and the broader judicial backdrop.

The call to name Stakeknife also noted the subject’s reported death in 2023 at age 77.