MI5 Shifts Focus to Threats from Russia

MI5 is shifting its focus from counterterrorism to address the increasing threats from Russia and other hostile nations, according to its director general, Ken McCallum. He expressed that the agency faces 'uncomfortable choices' due to its 'finite capacity' as it confronts more sophisticated attacks like sabotage and assassinations. McCallum noted that Britain has entered a new era of aggression from nation-states, reversing a two to three-decade period of relative calm regarding such threats. The agency is also monitoring a rise in radicalization among teenagers influenced by online content. As threats from state actors surge, MI5 has seen investigations into hostile state threats increase by nearly 50% in the past year. The shifting focus comes amid warnings about potential domestic chaos instigated by Russia and Iranian-backed plots targeting the UK.