Matt Kennard is an author and independent investigative journalist. He previously served as Head of Investigations at Declassified UK and was both a fellow and later director at the Centre for Investigative Journalism.
He has written several books, including Irregular Army, Silent Coup, and The Racket. One of his notable works, Irregular Army: How the US Military Recruited Neo-Nazis, Gang Members, and Criminals to Fight the War on Terror, examines controversial recruitment practices within the US military.
Kennard has also discussed the influence of pro-Israel lobbying on UK politicians. According to reporting by Declassified UK, around 180 out of 650 MPs in the previous UK Parliament received funding at some point in their political careers from pro-Israel lobby groups or individuals.
This group included 130 Conservative MPs, 41 Labour MPs, and three Liberal Democrats, along with three members of the DUP, two independents, and one Reform MP. The total value of these contributions exceeded £1 million. In addition, these politicians collectively made more than 240 sponsored trips to Israel, costing over £500,000.
Kennard has also investigated the UK’s role in the Gaza conflict. He has claimed that British intelligence personnel are assisting Israel during its military operations in Gaza. Reporting cited by outlets such as The New York Times has shed light on the extent of the UK’s involvement.
According to these accounts, a senior Israeli official stated that a British intelligence team had been deployed to Israel after the bombing of Gaza began in October. Declassified UK further reported that 36 military transport aircraft traveled from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to Tel Aviv, including six C-17 planes and 30 A400M aircraft.
These aircraft could have carried up to 4,300 personnel, potentially including members of the SAS. The same Israeli official reportedly said that the British team provides “added value” to Israel’s intelligence operations, including surveillance data that Israel may not be able to gather independently.
These developments have raised further questions about the role of UK ministers, particularly regarding their support for Israel through intelligence-sharing, surveillance flights, and the supply of military equipment during the conflict.
