"bugging device & surveillance bug & MI5 & planted in Communist Party Of Great Britain head office & circa 1975" [NMLH.1997.3]

Catalogue Number
NMLH.1997.3

Object Name
Bugging Device

Title
Surveillance device, MI5

Place
C.P.G.B. headquarters, King Street, London & England & UK

People
Wright, Peter; MI5

Description
This surveillance 'bug', discovered by builders in February 1975, was probably used by MI5 to spy on Communist activity. Former MI5 officer Peter Wright may have planted it, as in his book, 'Spycatcher', he describes concealing a 'bug' at Communist Party headquarters. The government did not admit responsibility for the device.


The Party issued this statement after its discovery;


"The Communist Party protests most strongly at the fact that this device was illegally installed in its premises. We are a legal political party not engaged in any conspiratorial activity and, like every other party we have the right to hold our committee meetings behind closed doors".

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