About the investigation
This page brings together all publications, statements and updates relating to the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s independent investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in connection with Agent X. It provides a single point of access to the investigation report, supporting documents and all updates published throughout the course of the investigation.
The investigation was commissioned by the Prime Minister under section 239 of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and led by Sir John Goldring, the Deputy Investigatory Powers Commissioner. Its purpose was to establish the surrounding facts, identify any systemic or procedural failings, and make recommendations where appropriate. The final report was published on 16 July 2026.
What’s on this page:
- Final investigation report – Deputy Investigatory Powers Commissioner Sir John Goldring’s report and executive summary
- Terms of Reference – setting out the scope of the investigation
- Progress updates – regular updates published during the investigation
- Statements and announcements – key public communications relating to the investigation
- Supporting publications – any additional documents published as part of the investigation
The content below is presented in reverse chronological order, with the most recent publication shown first.
Investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in relation to Agent X 16 July 2026
The Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson, today publishes the report of the independent investigation into the circumstances resulting in MI5’s provision of false evidence to both the High Court and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in proceedings connected with Agent X, led by Deputy Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir John Goldring. Read the full report here.
Investigatory Powers Commissioner publishes report into Agent X Investigation 16 July 2026
The Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson, today publishes the report of the independent investigation into the circumstances resulting in the provision of false evidence to both the High Court and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in proceedings connected with Agent X, led by Deputy Investigatory Powers Commissioner Sir John Goldring.
IPCO submits report on the Investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in relation to Agent X 8 July 2026
The Investigatory Powers Commissioner has completed the independent investigation directed by the Prime Minister into the provision of false evidence to both the High Court and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in proceedings connected with Agent X. The investigation was led by the Deputy Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir John Goldring, supported by a small investigation team.
Investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and Investigatory Powers Tribunal in relation to Agent X – Update 27 March 2026
Progress update to The Rt Hon. Lord Hermer KC, Attorney General. Read the progress update here.
Investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and Investigatory Powers Tribunal in relation to Agent X – Update 19 December 2025
Progress update to The Rt Hon. Lord Hermer KC, Attorney General. Read the progress update here.
Investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and Investigatory Powers Tribunal in relation to Agent X – Progress update to The Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Singh President of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal 8 October 2025
Investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and Investigatory Powers Tribunal in relation to Agent X – Progress update to The Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Singh President of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. Read the progress update here.
Investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and Investigatory Powers Tribunal in relation to Agent X Progress update to Attorney General 8 October 2025
Investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and Investigatory Powers Tribunal in relation to Agent X – Progress update to The Rt. Hon. Lord Hermer KC Attorney General. Read the progress update here.
IPCO receives Prime Ministerial Direction for Agent X investigation 16 September 2025
The Investigatory Powers Commissioner has received a Direction from the Prime Minister to investigate the circumstances resulting in the provision of false evidence to both the High Court and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in proceedings connected with Agent X.
Statement from the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO) RE: Beth v Security Service [2025] UKIPTrib 8 30 July 2025
Following today’s judgment of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in Beth v Security Service, IPCO acknowledges the Tribunal’s findings and recommendations regarding the scope and nature of any further investigation into this matter.
Statement from the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO) RE: His Majesty’s Attorney General v BBC and R (on the application of Beth) v the Investigatory Powers Tribunal [2025] EWHC 1669 (KB) 2 July 2025
In today’s judgment in His Majesty’s Attorney General v BBC and R (on the application of Beth) v the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, the Divisional Court has concluded that a further investigation into ‘Agent X’ is required. The Court has recommended that this be conducted under the auspices of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner.