UK to strengthen security laws against Russian interference

Ministers are considering strengthening security laws after a report by MPs said the government had badly underestimated the threat of Russian interference to the UK.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said a new law requiring foreign agents to register in the UK was being looked at.

It comes as labour criticised systemic failings in how the UK has dealt with Russia and other hostile states.

The new law under consideration would make it explicitly illegal to be a spy in the UK.

Such an act 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.