Russia’s intelligence agency is reportedly attempting to instigate “sustained mayhem on British and European streets,” according to recent statements from the head of MI5, Ken McCallum. During his annual security threat update, McCallum revealed that agents from Russia’s GRU have engaged in “arson, sabotage, and other increasingly reckless actions” in the UK following the nation’s support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.
In addition, MI5 has intercepted 20 plots linked to Iranian agents since 2022. Despite these alarming developments, McCallum emphasized that the predominant threats continue to stem from Islamist extremism, followed closely by extreme right-wing terrorism. He warned that MI5 faces a “complex mix of terror-related threats and nation-state dangers,” which complicates its efforts.
Notably, McCallum highlighted several critical points in his address, including:
– A concerning rise in young individuals involved in online extremism, with 13% of terrorism investigations involving suspects under the age of 18.
– A total of 43 late-stage plots involving firearms and explosives have been thwarted since 2017, aimed at committing mass murder within the UK.
– A significant 48% increase in investigations related to state threats.
– An ongoing division in counter-terrorism operations, with 75% focusing on Islamist extremism and 25% on extreme right-wing terrorism.
The head of MI5 acknowledged the complex ideologies the agency must contend with, stating, “The first 20 years of my career were crammed full of terrorist threats; we now face those alongside state-backed plots against the backdrop of a major European conflict.” He cautioned that the UK’s leadership in supporting Ukraine places it prominently in the sights of Russia’s government, indicating further threats to UK soil may arise.
The current terror threat level in the UK is classified as substantial, suggesting an attack is likely. More than 750 Russian diplomats have been expelled from Europe since the onset of the Ukraine invasion, most of whom are suspected spies. This expulsion has hindered Russian intelligence operations, forcing them to rely increasingly on proxies and underworld operatives, thereby compromising the quality of their efforts.
McCallum also addressed threats from Iran, describing a doubling in the number of plots against Iranian interests in the UK and emphasizing the “unprecedented pace and scale” of these activities since the high-profile killing of Mahsa Amini. He signaled MI5’s commitment to closely monitoring and addressing Iranian state aggression amid ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts.
Additionally, in discussing the challenges posed by China, McCallum indicated the country’s attempt to infiltrate UK data and systems, noting over 20,000 obfuscated approaches to individuals.
In light of these concerning developments, the alarming rise in online radicalization among youth has become a significant focus. With 13% of those investigated for terrorism now under 18—a tripling in three years—McCallum warned of the “poisonous online extremism” targeting young people. He indicated that extreme right-wing propaganda is particularly adept at reaching and influencing this demographic, as many isolated individuals radicalize through accessible online content.
Recent statistics show that in the past year, a notable 17% of individuals apprehended for terror-related offenses were aged 17 and under, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance against this growing threat. Political leaders have acknowledged the “sober findings” of McCallum’s report while reassuring the public of the high standards maintained by the security services in safeguarding national security.
