The head of MI5, Ken McCallum, has issued a warning about the threat posed by Russia’s intelligence agency in the UK. He stated that Russian GRU agents have been engaging in activities such as arson, sabotage, and other dangerous actions on British streets. This warning comes at a time when the UK has been vocal in its support for Ukraine, leading to increased tensions with Russia.
McCallum highlighted the fact that since the beginning of Russia’s war in Ukraine in February 2022, over 750 Russian diplomats have been expelled from Europe, with the majority of them being identified as spies. This has significantly impacted Russia’s intelligence-gathering capabilities in the UK and Europe, forcing them to rely on proxy groups to carry out their operations.
In the past few years, there have been a total of 43 plots involving explosives and firearms that were foiled by security services in the UK. These plots were aimed at causing mass murder and chaos across the country. McCallum also mentioned that since 2022, the Security Service has responded to 20 plots that were backed by Iran, showcasing the diverse range of threats that they are dealing with.
He expressed his concern about the increasing involvement of young people under the age of 18 in terrorist activities, which has seen a threefold increase in the past three years. The work of counter-terrorism is now divided between tackling Islamist extremism (75%) and extreme right-wing terrorism (25%).
McCallum emphasized the complexity and interconnected nature of the threats faced by the UK, stating that they are now dealing with a combination of terrorist threats, state-backed assassination plots, and sabotage activities amidst a major European conflict. The Security Service is working tirelessly to address these challenges and ensure the safety and security of the country.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for the UK to remain vigilant and proactive in countering these threats. The cooperation between intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and international partners will be essential in addressing the evolving security landscape and protecting the country from harm.
