Francesca Whitelaw KC appears in Divisional Court

On Friday 18 September 2026, the Divisional Court (the Lady Chief Justice, the President of the King’s Bench Division and Chamberlain J) held a further hearing following HM Attorney General for England and Wales v BBC [2025] EWHC 1669 (KB) and the publication of the report of Sir John Goldring.

The report followed an 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.

The purpose of the further hearing was to consider whether contempt of court proceedings should be initiated against MI5 or any individuals. The Court has reserved judgment.

Francesca Whitelaw KC appeared with Attorney General’s Senior Treasury Counsel Tim Otty KC for MI5.