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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Monday, 6 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. It was answered by Dan Jarvis (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 July 2026 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Intelligence Services: Summer Internship Programme

Question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 3 July 2026 to question 10063 on Intelligence Services: Recruitment, for what reason are white candidates not eligible to apply for the MI5, MI6 and GCHQ Summer Intelligence Internship.

Answer

The UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) runs a number of internships and placement schemes. They are designed to provide insight about what it is like to work in UKIC to individuals who have particular skills and experience, want to work in a particular area, and/or are from demographics and backgrounds under-represented within UKIC. This is a lawful measure (as set out in the Equality Act 2010) used to encourage people from under-represented demographics to consider national security careers.

The eligibility criteria for specific internship schemes in UKIC are made publicly available on agency websites at the time when they are advertised. Any internship participant wishing to subsequently apply for employment with UKIC or the Civil Service is required to take part in fair and open competition, with selection based on merit.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
16155
Session
2026-27
Related items
Intelligence Services: Recruitment
Friday, 3 July 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Intelligence Services: Summer Internship Programme
Wednesday, 2 September 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Intelligence services Summer internship programme
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk