True Spies

The British security services have been spying on "subversives" for decades - from Arthur Scargill to actor and former militant trade unionist Ricky Tomlinson. In the first of a three-part series that features interviews with spies and the subjects of their scrutiny, reporter Peter Taylor asks whether MI5 and Special Branch were safeguarding Britain's democracy or infringing the liberties of its citizens.

The British Secret State under Mrs Thatcher became ever more vigilant. During the miners' strike of 1984-5, MI5 and Special Branch spies had Arthur Scargill, then president of the National Union of Miners, in their sights. In the second of a three-part series, Peter Taylor asks where the line should be drawn when individual liberty comes into conflict with the security of the state.

The Cold War is over but for the British Secret State it's still business as usual, except now their time is spent investigating new perceived threats to Parliamentary democracy, such as animal rights campaigners and anti-capitalism protesters. In the final part of the series Peter Taylor asks whether such extensive intrusion into the lives of its citizens can be justified.