UK reportedly considering tougher security laws

Following the Russia Report, in which the government was accused of ‘badly underestimating’ the threat of Russian interference to the UK, ministers are now thought to be considering strengthening security laws.

Downing Street sources said a new law requiring foreign agents to register in the UK was being looked at by No 10, although not firm proposals are yet in place. However, reports believe that iy could bear similarities to the new ‘Espionage Act’ suggested by the Intelligence and Security Committee, which would make it explicitly illegal to be a spy in the UK.

Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee said that the UK was the main Russian target, after the US and Nato, prompting calls for the government to do far more to counter Russian espionage and subversion. An Act like their proposed action would compel those who represent the interests of foreign powers to register on arrival in the UK. Those who did not - and so operated covertly - would be breaking the law.

Ahead of an Urgent Question in Parliament, Labour’s Nick Thomas-Symonds has said that ‘on every level’ the government’s response does not appear to be equal to the threat.

The Shadow Home Secretary said: “The Intelligence and Security Committee’s report on Russia exposes deep systemic failings in government approach to security. This report outlines the scale of the shortcomings of the government’s response to maintaining our National Security in the face of what is clearly a growing and significant threat from Russia.

“The report outlines a litany of Hostile State Activity, from cyber warfare, interfering in democratic processes, acts of violence on UK soil and illicit finance.  On every level the government’s response does not appear to be equal to the threat.  While on key issues it is clear that there is no overall strategic response to this challenge – little wonder the government have been so keen to delay the publication.

“The UK has world leading Security Services, yet this report makes clear they have not received the strategic support, the legislative tools or the resources necessary to defend our interests. The government need to urgently outline how they will address these systemic failings. The report should also sound alarm bells ringing that other countries that wish the UK harm are undertaking similar activities and are not facing a sufficiently robust response.”