Combined state and terror threat now greater than post-9/11, MI5 warns
Sir Ken McCallum, the Director General of MI5, has warned that Britain now faces a greater security threat than it did at the time of the September 11 attacks, marking the 25th anniversary of the atrocity with a stark "call to arms". He said the UK is confronting a combined threat from hostile states including Russia, China and Iran alongside enduring Islamic extremist terrorism, both increasingly amplified by artificial intelligence, meaning Britain must contend with what he called "the worst of both worlds".
Writing in The Independent, McCallum contrasted today's landscape with 2001, recalling his own experience working in MI5's small counter-terrorism team when the Twin Towers were struck, and how the fight against al-Qaeda forced a radical overhaul in intelligence-sharing. While he said that international effort ultimately succeeded in reducing al-Qaeda's capabilities, he stressed MI5 cannot rely on old tactics, citing new dangers such as state-backed sabotage, covert interference in democracy and cyberattacks on infrastructure, much of which now lies in private sector hands, requiring closer cooperation across government, industry and academia.
In short
- MI5 chief says threat to UK now exceeds 2001 levels
- Hostile states (Russia, China, Iran) compound ongoing terrorism risk
- AI and private-sector infrastructure create new vulnerabilities, McCallum warns
Explained simply
MI5 is Britain’s domestic security service. It works with the police and other agencies to counter terrorism and threats linked to foreign states. After the 11 September 2001 attacks in the United States, the UK and its allies expanded intelligence-sharing and efforts to disrupt al-Qaeda, the group responsible.
The threats described include terrorism by extremist groups and covert activity linked to governments such as Russia, China and Iran. This can include cyberattacks, sabotage and attempts to influence democratic processes. Much of Britain’s infrastructure is run by private companies, so protecting it can involve cooperation between government and businesses.
Artificial intelligence can help spread or support both kinds of threat, while also creating new challenges for security agencies. The issue matters because attacks or interference could affect public safety, essential services and confidence in democratic institutions.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “MI5 chief warns Britain facing greater security threat now than at the time of 9/11 terror attacks”.