Tim Tate

Investigative journalist Tim Tate joins host Charlie Higson, shedding light on Soviet infiltration into Britain's institutions long before Oleg Gordievsky. Tate discusses the vulnerabilities of post-war Britain and how it became a backdoor for Soviet access to NATO. He also highlights the influence of spies on Cold War policy, especially the roles of Cambridge recruits like Anthony Blunt, and the tensions within MI5 and MI6 that hampered counterintelligence. The conversation reveals surprising truths about espionage and its impact on international relations.

Tim Tate, a best-selling author and acclaimed documentary filmmaker, shares his fascinating insights on the high-stakes world of espionage. He unravels the connections between KGB mole Mikhail Golianevesky and MI5's Peter Wright. Besides illuminating the repercussions of Tate's 'Spycatcher' work, he candidly reveals his own brush with being labeled a national security threat. The discussion also touches on the transparency battles faced by journalists during the turbulent Thatcher era and the ethical dilemmas within intelligence agencies.

Tim Tate, a veteran investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker, delves into the riveting tale of Peter Wright, an MI5 whistleblower who challenged the Thatcher government in the 1980s. They discuss the Spycatcher Affair and its legal battles, shedding light on the tension between government secrecy and transparency. Tate also reveals the moral complexities of MI5's operations, including controversial surveillance tactics and the enigmatic Roger Hollis case, raising questions about trust and betrayal within British intelligence.