MI5 Director Ken McCallum has issued a stark warning regarding increasing terrorist threats from ISIS and hostile states such as Russia and Iran. His public address highlighted serious concerns about national security and the growing strain on intelligence resources.
MI5 Director General Ken McCallum has raised concerns over ISIS resuming its operations to export terrorism to the United Kingdom. In a rare public appearance, McCallum provided a comprehensive update on the security landscape, marking the UK’s first major threat briefing since 2022. He underscored the persistent dangers posed by ISIS, al-Qaeda, and state actors like Russia and Iran, while drawing attention to the financial pressures faced by the intelligence service.
Increased Threat from ISIS and Al-Qaeda
McCallum was particularly focused on the renewed activity of ISIS, stating it has become the terrorist group that “concerns me most.” While the group no longer holds the vast territory it once controlled in Iraq and Syria, it has intensified its efforts to export violence. McCallum cited the March attack in Moscow, conducted by ISIS-K, as a grave reminder of the organisation’s continuing capacity for brutality.
According to McCallum, more than a third of MI5’s top-priority investigations over the past month had some form of connection to overseas terrorist groups. The resurgence of ISIS activity represents a serious threat, and the director emphasised the growing challenge of keeping up with this evolving danger.
Hostile State Activities: Russia and Iran
Beyond terrorism, McCallum warned of increased threats from Russia and Iran, particularly on British soil. He revealed that MI5 investigations into state-sponsored aggression from these nations had risen by nearly half within a year. The GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency, has been actively involved in efforts to destabilise both the UK and Europe, a trend that has escalated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Since the start of the war, over 750 Russian diplomats—many believed to be spies—have been expelled from Europe. Despite this, the UK remains vulnerable to cyberattacks and other forms of covert hostility, especially through the use of proxy actors, including private intelligence operatives and criminal networks. McCallum sent a clear message to those tempted to collaborate with hostile states like Iran and Russia, warning: “It’s a choice you’ll regret.”
Iran’s Growing Threat to the UK
In addition to Russia, McCallum pointed to the alarming increase in Iranian-backed plots against the UK. He described the scale and speed of Iran’s activities as “unprecedented,” revealing that MI5 has responded to 20 potentially lethal attacks since 2022. The growing aggression from Tehran has placed even more pressure on the already stretched resources of the UK’s intelligence services.
A Balanced Approach to China
When addressing concerns about China, McCallum took a more measured tone. He acknowledged the complex relationship between the UK and Beijing, noting that their economic ties are crucial to British growth and stability. While McCallum affirmed that China remains a key focus for MI5, he stressed that decisions regarding the broader strategic relationship fall to government ministers. This nuance highlights the balancing act that UK leaders face in managing security risks while maintaining economic partnerships.
Capacity Struggles in a Complex Threat Landscape
As the intelligence community grapples with an increasing number of threats, McCallum also flagged the pressure on MI5’s resources. Since March 2017, MI5 and police forces have foiled 43 late-stage terrorist attacks, but the caseload remains high. The rise of extreme right-wing terrorism has exacerbated the challenge, with cases involving individuals under 18 now accounting for 13% of MI5’s work.
McCallum admitted that MI5 is now forced to make difficult decisions about which threats to prioritise. He described the situation as “an uncomfortable life,” adding that the service faces “sharp pressure” in its efforts to protect the public.
