Ministers must be honest about Russian threat to UK, says former Foreign Office head
Peter Ricketts calls for more resilience in protecting banking, energy and water systems from cyber-assaults Ministers need to be honest with the British public about the immediate threat posed by Russia, which could soon lead to lives being lost, a former national security adviser has said. Peter Ricketts, who advised David Cameron when he was prime minister, became the latest figure to warn…
Former Foreign Office head Peter Ricketts has called for greater honesty from the British government regarding the immediate threat posed by Russia, warning that lives could be lost. Ricketts, who served under Prime Minister David Cameron, expressed concern about potential hybrid attacks on key sectors such as banking, energy, and water systems.
He emphasized the need for increased investment in resilience for these critical areas, following warnings from MI5 and the British army about the dangers posed by Moscow. Ricketts dismissed claims by Labour MP Andy Burnham of acting as a bridge between the US and Ukraine, stating that there is no short-term influence Britain can exert on Washington.
He also criticized Trump's decision to pause sanctions on Russia, arguing that it does not align with the US national interest. The former civil servant called for a frank conversation among politicians about the sacrifices necessary to prioritize defense and security, given the extreme global threats.
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