LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — In a joint op-ed for the Financial Times, CIA Director Bill Burns and UK MI6 Chief Richard Moore have issued a stark warning about the current state of global stability, describing it as “under threat in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War.”
The two intelligence leaders emphasized the importance of the UK-US alliance in navigating the array of global threats posed by nations like Russia and China, as well as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. They underscored that their partnership remains one of the most critical and trusted in addressing these challenges.
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted in their article is the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Burns revealed in a subsequent conference in London that efforts are underway with Egyptian and Qatari mediators to develop a detailed proposal for a ceasefire. “We are working hard to refine a framework,” Burns stated, with hopes of presenting a more detailed proposal in the coming days.
The United States and the UK continue to be major financial and military backers of Ukraine in its resistance against the Russian invasion, which began in February 2022. The spy chiefs reiterated the importance of maintaining this support, calling it “more vital than ever.” They also detailed their ongoing efforts to counteract Russian intelligence operations and sabotage campaigns across Europe.
The op-ed comes ahead of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington on September 13, where he will meet with US President Joe Biden. Their discussions will focus on continuing robust support for Ukraine and the pursuit of a ceasefire in Gaza, according to the White House.
This visit coincides with a divergence in the UK and US policies regarding Israel. London has recently suspended 30 arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns that these arms could be used in violation of international law amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
