MI5 faces surge in terrorist investigations and fast-rising state threats, the agency’s director-general Sir Ken McCallum has warned. In an annual address, he said the security service is operating in a “new era” that demands the most significant shift in its mission since 9/11.
The number of individuals under investigation has risen by 35 per cent in the past year, driven by both terrorism and foreign state activity. Sir Ken highlighted Russia, China and Iran as key actors behind increasingly aggressive operations against the UK. In the past week alone, he said MI5 had intervened to disrupt Chinese state activity considered a national security threat.
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Read the articleHe expressed frustration at the collapse of a case involving alleged Chinese espionage in Britain, saying the activity had been disrupted by MI5. “It is frustrating when prosecutions fall through,” he said.
Since 2020, MI5 and police have prevented 19 late-stage terror plots and disrupted hundreds more developing threats. Much of the current work focuses on individuals or small networks rather than large organised groups. One in five of the 232 terrorism-related arrests last year involved children under 17.
Sir Ken also warned that al-Qaeda and Islamic State are “once again becoming more ambitious” and using global instability to strengthen their positions.
Rising state aggression
Addressing state threats, he described how espionage against Parliament, universities and critical infrastructure is being coupled with intimidation tactics that echo MI5’s counter-terrorism casework. He warned that Russia is increasingly turning to “proxy” actors, describing them as “disposable” assets.
Iranian activity has also intensified, with MI5 tracking more than 20 potentially lethal Iran-backed plots over the past year.
He acknowledged criticism from the courts over MI5’s handling of evidence, referring to recent legal proceedings. “I want to affirm, on record, the importance MI5 attaches to accountability and oversight,” Sir Ken said. “Part of why MI5 exists is to defend our national way of life, a way of life which includes the checks and balances of rigorous independent oversight.”
AI concerns
Sir Ken also reflected on emerging technologies, warning that artificial intelligence could be exploited by hostile actors. He said it would be “reckless to ignore” its potential to do harm, even as it brings clear benefits.
He ended the speech by praising the “quiet service” of MI5 personnel, describing their work as both courageous and often unseen.
For further background on national security, visit the UK Government’s security guidance.
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