The head of MI6 warned Russia and other rogue states "not to underestimate" the UK's "determination and capabilities", as he called for a new era of spying amid emerging threats.

Speaking to students at the University of St Andrews, Alex Younger warned of threats from enemies who regard themselves as being in a state of "perpetual confrontation" with the UK and describe how intelligence agencies are developing a "fourth generation" of espionage.

In his second major speech since becoming head of the Secret Intelligence Service four years ago, Mr Younger urged "Russia or any other state intent on subverting our way of life not to underestimate our determination and our capabilities, or those of our allies".

He described how MI6 helped expose the perpetrators said to be behind the Salisbury nerve agent attack and how it helped co-ordinate the expulsion of Russian diplomats.

Image: The MI6 headquarters in Vauxhall, London

He also told students that Britain is "well-equipped" to counter those who launch attacks on Britain in ways that fall short of traditional warfare, such as cyber attacks and the spreading of disinformation.


He said: "The degree of interconnectedness between nations, people and systems today, the ubiquitous nature of information and the exponential pace of technological change, are making the work dramatically more complicated."

He added: "The era of the fourth industrial revolution calls for a fourth generation of espionage: fusing our traditional human skills with accelerated innovation, new partnerships and a mindset that mobilises diversity and empowers the young."

Mr Younger also highlighted the strengthening of security ties in Europe ahead of Brexit and spoke about how working with other intelligence services had disrupted "multiple" planned attacks by Islamic State overseas.

And in a direct appeal to students, Mr Younger called for the need for diversity in MI6.

"I want to speak to young people who have never seen themselves in MI6," he said. "It doesn't matter where you are from. If you want to make a difference and you think you might have what it takes, then the chances are that you do have what it takes, and we hope you will step forward."

Mr Younger also addressed the release of British academic Matthew Hedges after he was charged with spying and jailed in the UAE. The UK rejects the claims made against him.

He said: "We're delighted to see him back in the UK but we're perplexed by what happened and I genuinely don't know how our Emirati partners came to the conclusion they did. There are some frank discussions ahead."

Commenting on the fight against Islamic State, he confirmed that foreigners working for the British government had lost their lives keeping the UK safe.

"We have asked our agents - the people who agree to work for MI6 - to do extraordinary things and run great risks," he said. "And I will not hide from you that some have paid the ultimate price. Our country and our allies owe them a debt they can never truly know and never fully repay."