A theory that MI5 works well if it works in secrecy is tested if changes are made to its modus operandi. It happened most recently as University graduates became emboldened. They were an overly ambitious cohort. They wanted more, and wanted it with immediacy.
As MI5 were asked to expand its recruitment process to end decades of inactivity, it made a mistake of taking on these “eager beavers”, as one said of it. The result was “Oxidisation”. Some of its core functions were corrupted, and led to unseen damage.
Thames House turned into an office-based experience over the professional exercise it used to be. The existing staff carried on because the UK’s security depended on it. It made life significantly unsafe for Agents and staff.
