Hostile states pose 'fundamental threat' to Europe, says MI6 chief

Although Alex Younger does not name specific country, he makes clear that Russia is target of his remarks

The head of the British intelligence agency MI6, Alex Younger, has said cyber-attacks, propaganda and subversion from hostile states pose a "fundamental threat" to European democracies, including the UK.

In a rare speech by an MI6 chief while in office, Younger did not specifically name Russia but left no doubt that this was the target of his remarks. Russia has been accused of interfering in the US presidential election and there are concerns it could do the same in French and German elections next year.