The UK government has directed MI5 to shift its focus from counter-terrorism to counter-espionage in response to escalating threats from Russia, China, and Iran. This strategic pivot comes amid significant recruitment efforts by these nations, which have heightened the espionage challenges faced by the UK. Ministers have emphasized that the threat from Moscow and Beijing is now more pressing than terrorism. The directive, reported by The Telegraph and citing the British Cabinet, underscores the need for MI5 to enhance its capabilities in targeting spies to safeguard national security.
"MI5 has been ordered to “refocus” its efforts on targeting spies rather than terrorists following a major recruitment drive by Russia, China and Iran, The Telegraph can reveal" https://t.co/Sfo6xrDYiK
Focus on Russia and China threat rather than terrorists, MI5 told https://t.co/honUyB27Vb
UK to confront Russian spies - The Telegraph MI5, the UK's national counterintelligence service, has been ordered to "refocus" its efforts on fighting spies from Iran, China, and Russia. https://t.co/WlmuLUhjxW
British Cabinet has ordered the MI5 intelligence agency to redirect efforts from fighting terrorists to the fight against spies from Russia and China, the Telegraph reported, citing government sources.. https://t.co/flAUcQIme0
⚡️The Telegraph: MI5 to shifts focus to counter-espionage amid rising Russia, China. The U.K.’s Mi5 has been ordered to prioritize targeting spies over terrorists due to a significant recruitment drive by Russia, China, and Iran. https://t.co/2cLz4mCFnT
🚨EXC: MI5 must raise its game as Russian and Chinese spy threat escalates Ministers warn UK intelligence chiefs that increased espionage challenges posed by Moscow and Beijing ‘are more pressing than terrorism’ https://t.co/JzEYuBrOP0