Concerns about the United Kingdom’s cyber security have been amplified following remarks from Major General Jonathan Shaw, a former head of the Defence Cyber Security Programme at the Ministry of Defence (MoD). He criticized Sir Keir Starmer for what he views as a lack of effective leadership in safeguarding the nation against increased Russian cyber threats. Shaw’s comments underscore the urgency for the UK to enhance its cyber defence capabilities in light of evolving hybrid warfare tactics employed by the Kremlin.
Shaw stated that the UK must “wake up” to the growing cyber threats, particularly as Russia intensifies its hybrid warfare strategies. He claimed that Prime Minister Starmer has not adequately implemented the nationwide cyber defence strategy outlined in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). “He hasn’t done it at all,” Shaw told The i Paper. “It just shows to me either he doesn’t believe what he signed up to, or he doesn’t believe people are particularly interested and he lacks the leadership to make it happen, which suits the Russians.”
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UK has experienced a notable increase in cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and maritime incursions. Shaw highlighted that this year alone, the Kremlin has utilized conventional cargo ships to deploy drones over European military bases and transport alleged spies into the UK.
The Royal Navy has had to shadow Russian vessels suspected of intelligence-gathering activities around British territorial waters, while businesses have fallen victim to targeted attacks. One such incident involved Marks & Spencer, whose profits were severely impacted by a cyberattack linked to Russian operatives.
Shaw emphasized the importance of taking Russian threats seriously. He described the Kremlin’s approach as “deliberately engaging in sub-threshold warfare” aimed at destabilizing European nations without provoking a direct military response. “Hybrid warfare is an extreme level of inter-state competition but using a much broader set of tools than just the military,” he stated.
The former general pointed to the 2007 cyberattacks that crippled Estonia as a cautionary example. These attacks, which did not trigger Article 5 of the NATO treaty, demonstrated the effectiveness of such tactics in undermining a nation without invoking a military alliance’s formal response. “Those warnings, we the Great British public, should take very, very seriously, because it does demand a whole-of-nation response,” Shaw remarked.
Shaw further expressed concern regarding the shifting landscape of international alliances. He noted that the recent US National Security Strategy has downplayed Russia’s threat, suggesting that Europe faces potential “civilisational erasure”. He emphasized that the UK can no longer rely on the United States as a steadfast military ally, stating unequivocally, “Absolutely.”
The general explained that the current US approach appears to treat Europe as a threat, rather than as a partner. He cited the National Security Strategy’s implications that the US might interfere in European politics to influence outcomes in line with its interests, actions he characterized as indicative of an adversarial stance.
In Shaw’s view, understanding Russia’s operational context is crucial. He noted that the Kremlin functions under the “rule of power, not rule of law,” with its historical culture fostering a top-down approach. He pointed out that Russia’s challenges in competing with the West economically lead it to undermine surrounding nations rather than improve itself.
Shaw expressed skepticism regarding the prospect of a peace deal in Ukraine, asserting that the Kremlin’s concept of sovereignty allows for the disregard of agreements when they no longer serve its interests. He noted the historical precedents of unrest among returning soldiers from conflict and warned of the potential consequences of reintegrating them into society post-conflict.
He concluded with a stark warning for the UK, urging the government to prioritize national security above other concerns. “If we have any values left, then we need to be supporting Russia’s neighbours who are threatened by Putin,” he stated. “Britain needs to wake up. This needs to be the organizing principle of government from now on.”
In response to these criticisms, a government spokesperson emphasized that national security remains the top priority. They noted ongoing efforts to enhance cyber capabilities, including the establishment of the Cyber and Electromagnetic Command and a £1 billion investment in cyber security measures.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the call for a comprehensive approach to cyber defence becomes increasingly urgent. Shaw’s insights highlight the need for vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety and stability of the UK in the face of mounting external threats.
