UK urged to strengthen defences against Russian 'hybrid attacks'

Former UK national security adviser Lord Peter Ricketts has called on ministers to bolster protections against Russian "hybrid attacks" and spend more on defence.

• Ricketts told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that energy, transport, air traffic control and defence needed better protection and more funding.
• He said Russian hybrid attacks were becoming "more reckless, more dangerous" and that people could end up being killed.
• Ricketts dismissed Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's claim to be a "bridge" between Washington and Kyiv, saying Britain has no short-term influence.
• MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum said threats from hostile states had quadrupled, and army chief Sir Roly Walker urged a "frank conversation" on defence sacrifices.