By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-25 12:51:02 | Updated at 2026-09-25 13:48:51
1 hour ago
Leaders of critical infrastructure and defence companies are being summoned to Whitehall for classified briefings on the threat Russia poses to Britain.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis will lead a closed-door session with representatives from organisations responsible for the country's essential services, while Armed Forces Minister Louise Sandher-Jones will separately chair a meeting with defence industry figures.
The sessions, drawing on top-tier intelligence capabilities, are expected to take place in the coming weeks, according to the Cabinet Office.
Whitehall officials believe Moscow and its proxies are deliberately targeting businesses and organisations that sustain everyday life in Britain or play a role in supporting Ukraine's defence.
Moscow's methodology includes cyber attacks, acts of sabotage and disinformation campaigns designed to knock organisations offline, disrupt operations and erode public confidence.
The briefings follow Prime Minister Andy Burnham's address to the UN General Assembly earlier this week, in which he confronted Russia over its hybrid warfare operations and its continued aggression in Ukraine.
During the speech, Mr Burnham announced he had instructed security chiefs to establish a new unit dedicated to countering what he described as "industrial-scale" Russian disinformation.
Russia represents a persistent and serious danger to British interests globally, with the Kremlin and its agents employing a range of hostile tactics to undermine trust and destabilise key sectors.
Dan Jarvis will hold meetings with infrastructure 
PA
Mr Burnham has maintained the stance of previous UK administrations in offering unwavering backing to Kyiv.
Labour characterises Russia's approach as a deliberate strategy to weaken organisations that are fundamental to British society, using a combination of digital intrusions, physical sabotage plots and coordinated information warfare to achieve its aims.
Mr Jarvis said: "Strong defences are built on a clear understanding of the threat.
"That's why I'll be chairing this briefing, to share world-class intelligence with some of the most important organisations in the country to ensure they understand and are prepared for the threats we face."
Whitehall experts have warned of the threat from the Kremlin
REUTERS
The Security Minister added that the sessions would concentrate on "the actions they can take in partnership with Government, to help keep our country safe."
Ms Sandher-Jones stressed that Moscow was actively working to undermine institutions at the heart of Britain's national defence.
She said: "By bringing government and defence industry leaders together, we can deepen our shared understanding of the threat and strengthen our collective resilience."
The Armed Forces Minister underlined the stakes involved, adding: "Protecting our defence sector is essential to keeping Britain secure."
The Whitehall sessions follow a pattern set earlier this year, when ministers held comparable briefings for university leaders and political parties on the risks of foreign interference and steps they could take to bolster security.
Labour already announced a range of protective measures for defence firms and critical infrastructure operators.
This includes specialist policing from bodies such as the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, cyber expertise via the National Cyber Security Centre, and bespoke security guidance through the National Protective Security Authority.
The urgency of the threat was highlighted this month when the Crown Prosecution Service charged Joshua Cammidge, a British man, under the National Security Act.
He allegedly prepared an act of sabotage targeting drone manufacturing, having researched four production sites in Swindon and a WiFi-jamming device.
Prosecutors allege he received instructions from an individual with suspected links to the GRU Volunteer Corps.
