The UK is under increased threat from Russia and Iran as ongoing efforts to provoke “chaos” on British streets increase, says MI5 chief. Thus, during her recent speech, McCallum described the increasing threats that ‘Putin’s goons and several Iranian plots present.
McCallum has stated that according to MI5 and UK law enforcement, they have disrupted 20 Iran-sponsored plots since the beginning of 2022. He said that both Russia and Iran are now employing organized crime groups to stage sabotage, arson, and other acts of disruption.
The head of MI5 also expanded, explaining that terrorist threats, including Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, are regrouping after being mostly neutralized. Almost 40 percent of MI5’s current operations relate to foreign terrorists, and the UK continues to spend a high proportion of its counter-terrorism efforts on Islamist and far-right threats.
Something disturbing that McCallum brought out is the increasing participation of youth in extremism. According to MI5, one in eight people currently under surveillance is below 18 years, associated with increased online extremism. McCallum said that hate speech on these social platforms is leading young people into embracing radicalization, particularly on the far right.
Despite these rising threats, McCallum reaffirmed MI5’s commitment to safeguarding national security and warned those who collaborate with hostile states:
“If you are an Iranian, Russian, or any other state, if you bring money to carry out criminal activities in the UK, you will be dealt with.”
