Britain has entered a ‘new era of national security,’ the head of MI5 says.
MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum reports that Britain faces more state threats than during the Cold War. The UK is countering evolving hybrid campaigns from Russia and Iran, with Iran specifically shifting plots toward harder targets. To address these risks and the potential for terrorists to use AI for drone attacks, MI5 has launched an AI Threat Assessment Centre. Additionally, McCallum warned that rightwing extremists are increasingly likely to consider terrorist attacks as the nation enters this new security era.
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- ✓ Sir Ken McCallum stated Britain has entered a new era of national security.
- ✓ MI5 is tackling more state threats than it did during the Cold War.
- ✓ Russia and Iran are ramping up hybrid campaigns in Britain.
- ✓ MI5 has established an AI Threat Assessment Centre.
What changed
MI5 launched an AI Threat Assessment Centre to counter AI-fuelled risks and drone threats.
Live updates
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MI5 Chief Warns Britain Has Entered New Era of National Security
MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum reports that Britain faces more state threats than during the Cold War. The UK is countering evolving hybrid campaigns from Russia and Iran, with Iran specifically shifting plots toward harder targets. To address these risks and the potential for terrorists to use AI for drone attacks, MI5 has launched an AI Threat Assessment Centre. Additionally, McCallum warned that rightwing extremists are increasingly likely to consider terrorist attacks as the nation enters this new security era.
Why it matters
The shift reflects a diversification of threats including state actors, extremist groups, and emerging technologies. This environment requires a new national response to protect businesses, infrastructure, and communities.
What is confirmed
- Sir Ken McCallum stated Britain has entered a new era of national security.
- MI5 is tackling more state threats than it did during the Cold War.
- Russia and Iran are ramping up hybrid campaigns in Britain.
- MI5 has established an AI Threat Assessment Centre.
Still unconfirmed
- A suspected terror plot against a US-run base was highly likely coordinated in Iran.
- Rightwing extremists are increasingly likely to consider terrorist attacks.
- Iran is shifting plots to harder targets.
What to watch next
- Operational outcomes from the new AI Threat Assessment Centre.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (18)
- BBC — MI5 tackling more state threats than during Cold War, warns intelligence chief
- Reuters — Iran and Russia ramping up hybrid campaigns in Britain, UK spy chief says
- The New York Times — MI5 Chief Warns of Growing Iranian and Russian Threats to U.K.
- The Washington Post — U.K. intelligence chief warns Iran is shifting plots to ‘harder targets’
- Fox News — Suspected terror plot to target key UK base 'highly likely' to be 'coordinated in Iran,' PM says
- NBC News — Britain has entered a ‘new era of national security,’ the head of MI5 says.
- The Guardian — Rightwing extremists increasingly likely to consider terrorist attacks, MI5 chief says
- Yahoo — MI5 chief outlines major threats to UK amid investigation into suspected plot against US-run base
- www.independent.co.uk — Terrorists could use AI to target UK with drones and ...
- www.cbsnews.com — Iran and Russia-linked hybrid attacks in Europe are mounting ...
- www.yahoo.com — Britain has entered a ‘new era of national security,’ the ...
- www.lbc.co.uk — 'In this new world, we should expect to be tested': MI5 chief ...
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