Britain’s biggest threats are from Russia, China, Iran, says UK spy chief

Britain faces major security threats from the trio of Russia, China and Iran, which all use coercion, intimidation and violence to pursue their interests, the UK’s domestic intelligence spy chief says.

Ken McCallum, director-general of MI5, adds to mounting warnings from British authorities about Russia’s aggression and China’s growing assertiveness. He also singles out Iran as a mounting concern, saying UK authorities have uncovered at least 10 “potential threats” this year to “kidnap or even kill British or UK-based individuals perceived as enemies of the regime.”

He says Iran’s intelligence services “are prepared to take reckless action” against opponents, both on Western soil and by luring people to Iran.

In a speech outlining the major threats to the UK from both hostile states and terror groups, McCallum says there is a risk Russia, China and Iran could help one another, “amplifying their strengths.”