The release of the UK government's official report on the Profumo affair, led by Lord Denning, was a significant moment in British political history. The affair centered around John Profumo, the Secretary of State for War, and his relationship with Christine Keeler, a young woman linked to the world of high society and later implicated in espionage concerns. The report stemmed from public outcry following Press revelations about Profumo's relationship and the implications this had on national security during the tense backdrop of the Cold War.

When the scandal first emerged in 1963, it captured the public's imagination and dominated headlines due to the salacious details and the high-profile individuals involved. Lord Denning was commissioned to investigate the matter thoroughly, evaluating the impact of the affair not just on Profumo but on the credibility and integrity of the British government. His findings unveiled the startling connections that existed between various individuals and the potential risks they posed to national security.

On September 25, 1963, Denning presented his report, which became a pivotal document in understanding the repercussions of personal misconduct within high office. While it aimed to clarify the events surrounding the affair, it also highlighted the moral failings of those in power and the consequent erosion of public trust in political institutions. Denning’s work offered a candid appraisal, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability within government.