Former intelligence chief links Russia to UK arson and cyber attacks

A former head of MI6 stated that hostile states are using proxies to carry out sabotage, arson and cyber attacks in Britain. The remarks were made on BBC Radio 4's Today programme and came after two men were convicted of conspiring to set fires at property and a car linked to the prime minister.

The former official said the activity aims to expand conflict beyond Ukraine without triggering open war. Prosecutors established that the attacks occurred in 2025 after one suspect was recruited online by a Russian-speaking Telegram account that offered payment and, in other cases, Russian citizenship.

Court findings and investigation A BBC Panorama investigation identified the Telegram account holder as a 23-year-old Russian diplomat whose father is a senior official. The same accounts spread messages glorifying the Russian president and disinformation about the motive for the attacks.

The government and intelligence services have not yet attributed the incident to the Kremlin. The former MI6 chief said confirmation of Russian involvement would not be surprising.

Security and funding discussion The former official called for increased discussion on security funding, stronger cyber defences and continued support for Ukraine. He also said individuals recruited as proxies should receive long prison sentences. Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns resigned last week over a dispute about military funding.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the attacks and said democracy should not be influenced by foreign interference.