WARNINGS from the new head of MI6 about a growing Russian threat and the need for more spies are “more incipient war mongering,” anti-war campaigners have said.

In her first major public speech at the headquarters of Britain’s foreign intelligence service today, Blaise Metreweli said that the “front line is everywhere” and warned of a threat posed by an “aggressive, expansionist and revisionist” Russia.

Appointed in June, she said that Russian President Vladimir Putin should be “in no doubt” that Britain’s support for Ukraine was “enduring” and that pressure applied on Ukraine’s behalf would be “sustained.”

Ms Metreweli said that global threats were becoming increasingly complex, including sabotage, technological disruption and disinformation, but insisted Britain was already working to use technology to respond to them.

MI6 must ensure “mastery of technology” infused “everything we do,” she said.

Ms Metreweli also highlighted how MI6’s work builds on recent sanctions imposed by the Foreign Office on Russian companies and individuals.

Stop the War convener Lindsey German told the Star: “This is still more incipient warmongering.

“There is no doubt that our rulers are preparing us for war even though there is no evidence that Russia is itself preparing to attack any Nato country.

“We are constantly given examples of Russia producing more weaponry or of ‘grey’ attacks such as drones over airports or deniable cyber-attacks, but these ignore the increases in arms and technology production across Nato countries and the hugely greater military power of those countries over Russia, as well as the cyber warfare and drones on both sides.

“Our rulers talk of war in glowing terms but have little idea of what it really means. A mass movement against militarism and war must be a big priority for 2026.”