Official Secrets 2019

Katharine Gun Receives the Memo

In January 2003, just days before the critical UN vote on Iraq, Katharine Gun, a dedicated employee at GCHQ, receives an alarming internal memo. This memo highlights an illegal operation by the US to spy on UN diplomats’ voting intentions regarding the resolution for invading Iraq.

Discussion with Colleagues

Katharine discusses the implications of the memo with her colleague, Andy Dumfries, and their boss, Fiona Bygate. They exchange concerns about the unethical collusion between the US and UK to manipulate the UNSC vote, intensifying their fears about the impending military action in Iraq.

Confiding in a Friend

Katharine confides in her friend Jasmine, an anti-war activist, about the explosive memo she has received. Jasmine encourages her to leak the information to expose the government’s deceit, despite the potential consequences of treason charges under the Official Secrets Act.

Leaking the Memo

On February 3, 2003, Katharine courageously decides to take action by copying the classified memo onto a floppy disk. She prints it out and sends it to Jasmine, setting the stage for a monumental leak that would have far-reaching ramifications in the public discourse regarding the Iraq war.

Journalist's Quest for the Truth

Ed Vulliamy, a journalist working to expose the truths about the Iraq war, faces obstacles from his editor, Roger Alton. Frustrated with the media's lack of commitment to investigating the matter, he becomes increasingly invested in the implications of Katharine's leaked memo.

Association with Activists

Martin Bright and Peter Beaumont join forces with activists, working alongside Vulliamy to unravel the stories stemming from the leaked information. Together, they investigate the ethical dilemmas raised by the memo and the potential misconduct by the governments involved.

The Memo is Published

On March 2, 2003, the leaked memo is published, sparking significant public and media attention. Katharine experiences a wave of panic upon realizing the impact of her actions and reveals to her husband, Yasar, what she has done as they brace for the potential fallout.

Consequences of the Leak

Despite the memo’s publication, initial reactions are mixed, as spelling errors within the document lead to skepticism. Katharine's life spirals into chaos, compounded by the threat of her husband facing deportation due to his immigration status.

Building a Legal Defense Team

Katharine enlists a team of human rights attorneys, including Ben Emmerson and Shami Chakrabarti, to defend her against charges related to the leaking of classified information. Their mission is to argue that the war itself was illegal and that the public deserved to know the truth.

Testimony of Elizabeth Wilmshurst

Elizabeth Wilmshurst, a former government lawyer who resigned in protest against the Iraq war, becomes a significant witness in Katharine’s defense. Her testimony further underscores the deep moral and ethical implications of the war and the government's actions.

Unexpected Turn of Events

Katharine's trial takes an unforeseen twist when the prosecution suddenly withdraws the case. This surprising decision leaves many to speculate about the political ramifications of exposing the truth behind government actions during the Iraq war.

Document Declassification

By 2010, the classified documents related to the leak are finally declassified, revealing the extensive human cost of the Iraq war. The staggering figures show over a million Iraqi deaths and many British and American soldiers lost their lives, highlighting the war's devastating impact.