MI5 not in the dock over Lee Rigby murder

MI5 is not in the dock even though MPs are preparing to investigate the service's operations prior to soldier Lee Rigby's murder, a former defence secretary said today.

Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) will also answer whether or not security agencies fell short in the case of the Woolwich murder, its chairman Sir Malcolm Rifkind said.

Sir Malcolm added that the effect of Government spending cuts on the security services will be analysed during the ISC's review and any further reduction in resources would be a cause for concern.

Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme Sir Malcolm said,

"Do remember one fundamental point: the fact we have not had anyone killed until these tragic events in Woolwich since the 7/7 bombings (in London) in 2005 is not because there hasn't been terrorist plots.

Every year since 2005 there has been at least one, sometimes two or even more, terrorist plots which were disrupted and prevented from killing British citizens, partly because of the work of MI5 - in some cases very largely because of the work of MI5 - and other intelligence agencies."