MI5 and GCHQ accused of racism over internship recruitment policy

MI5 and GCHQ are facing accusations of “flagrant racism” following the announcement of recruitment criteria for their 2026/27 summer internship programmes. The agencies have restricted applications to students from “black, Asian, mixed heritage or ethnic minority backgrounds” who also come from “socially or economically disadvantaged” backgrounds.

The intelligence agencies defended the decision, stating that the restricted recruitment is intended to address a “current underrepresentation” within their workforces.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the policy, arguing that applications should be “merit-based and colour blind” and noting that white applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds are being excluded. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also condemned the scheme, accusing the public sector of using taxpayer funds to fuel “anti-white prejudice.”