search_gov_uk
AI agents call search_gov_uk to retrieve information from Govuk Search without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
The tool retrieves search results from GOV.UK based on keyword input. No data is modified, deleted, or executed. This is a standard read-only query operation with minimal security risk—worst case, an agent performs excessive searches or information gathering, which is low-severity.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'search_gov_uk' and server description indicating 'searching GOV.UK by keyword' reflects querying functionality without side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
search_gov_uk. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Govuk Search MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Govuk Search MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for search_gov_uk: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Govuk Search. Nothing to install.
search_gov_uk is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the search_gov_uk rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for search_gov_uk. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
search_gov_uk is provided by the Govuk Search MCP server (jaearly/govuk-search-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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