Chinese spies are targeting the UK, warns MI6 chief

MI6 Chief Richard Moore speaks at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Chinese intelligence is mounting “large-scale” espionage operations against the UK and its allies as it attempts to steal technology and distort political decision-making, the chief of MI6 has warned.

In his first public speech since taking up the post last year, Richard Moore said the threat posed by a newly-assertive China was now “the single greatest priority” for his agency.