Russia and Iran are engaged in a “sustained mission to generate mayhem” on British streets, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum warned Tuesday, as he revealed that British intelligence services have thwarted 43 late-stage terrorist plots since 2017.
In a rare public address at the Counter Terrorism Operations Centre in west London, McCallum detailed the complex web of threats facing the United Kingdom, emphasizing the persistent danger posed by state actors alongside terrorist organizations.
“We now face those [terrorist threats] alongside state-backed assassination and sabotage plots, against the backdrop of a major European land war,” McCallum said, underscoring the multifaceted nature of current security challenges.
The spy chief disclosed that 20 Iran-backed assassination attempts on British soil have been prevented since 2022. He specifically called out the Russian spy agency GRU for its efforts to cause disruption through “arson, sabotage and more.”
McCallum issued a stark warning to individuals considering working for foreign states: “If you take money from Iran, Russia or any other state to carry out illegal acts in the UK, you will bring the full weight of the national security apparatus down on you. It’s a choice you’ll regret.”
The MI5 head also highlighted the resurgent threat from Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, noting they have “resumed efforts to export terrorism.” He expressed concern over the rising involvement of minors in extremist activities, citing a threefold increase in investigations involving underage individuals over the past three years.
Addressing the impact of the Middle East conflict on UK security, McCallum stated that while there hasn’t been a large-scale translation into terrorist violence, the agency remains vigilant.
McCallum concluded by praising the dedication of MI5 agents and emphasizing the crucial role of human intelligence in thwarting plots. His candid assessment underscores the ongoing challenges facing UK national security and the vital role of intelligence services in countering diverse and evolving threats from both state and non-state actors.
