The head of MI5 has warned that reopening the Brexit debate will delight Russian propagandists seeking to tear Britain's social fabric apart. Sir Ken McCallum, speaking after Prime Minister Andy Burnham retreated over claims the Kremlin successfully interfered in the referendum, said trolls did "attempt" to meddle in the historic vote.
However, the intelligence chief declared it is "important to focus on the difference between what may have been attempted and what actually resulted." He also cautioned that Moscow will be "delighted" the issue is dominating the agenda again.
New era of national security
Sir Ken revealed this is critical because Britain has entered a "new era of national security" where the "cohesion and confidence of our communities has become a national security front line."
"Those who mean us harm are trying – often with a helping hand from polarising algorithms – to divide our communities and turn us against one another," he warned. Sir Ken confirmed Russian media organisations "came in pretty strongly around the time of the referendum."
He told reporters: "There is a really important difference between interference attempted, and outcome swayed. It's quite important to focus on the difference between what may have been attempted and what actually resulted."
Prime Minister's comments
Mr Burnham faced a furious backlash after reigniting Britain's Brexit debate by claiming the decision to leave the EU was influenced by Moscow. He told the Rest of Politics podcast: "I asked the question coming to Downing Street, well was there interference in the 2016 referendum from Russia? I've had the clear answer that, yes, there was."
Sir Ken warned Britain's adversaries are trying to "manipulate how we feel" and are "weaponising whatever frictions they notice" in societies. He added: "Their trolls aren't geniuses, by the way, they only get a foothold if we give them one."
Long-haul contest
Sir Ken, in his annual threat update, warned Russia remains "aggressor number one," motivated by hostility towards the West's support for Ukraine. Intelligence chiefs fear they will continue attempting to wreak havoc for years.
He said: "We are planning on the basis that these risks will endure... Irrespective of what happens in Ukraine, it is quite hard to see the Kremlin suddenly decide to rub along with us all after all. So we are planning that this is going to be a long-haul contest."
