Sir Keir Starmer was “seized by the threat” of Russia, according to an inside source, as the UK secures a new security pact with Norway.
Today, the UK signed a new strategic partnership agreement with one of its most important allies when it comes to safety and security against Putin’s country.
The UK Prime Minister and Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Støre came together to strengthen bilateral ties relating to defence and security, as well as a plan to battle the constant efforts by the Russians to eavesdrop on European politicians and spies.
However, while in Norway, ahead of Tuesday’s meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force, Sir Keir was handed a high-level intelligence briefing revealing how Vladimir Putin could target the UK, according to The Sun.
According to reports, a source from No10 said that the assessment covered the “sophisticated subsea threats to energy, critical national infrastructure, and domestic security.”
Following this, a source close to the Prime Minister then said he was “seized by the threat posed by Russia and is focused on protecting the UK and our allies from Putin’s reckless actions.”
This comes after the meeting today where the UK National Authority for Counter-Eavesdropping and the Norwegian National Security Authority agreed to further their cooperation as the Kremlin attempts to steal information from the West daily.
The UK and its Nordic ally will share the best practices on countering covert listening devices deployed by Russia, as well as other countries.
A source told The Sun this would include some of Britain’s spies’ “most discreet and sensitive work” anywhere in the world.
They added: “Being on Russia’s doorstep, Norway knows too well the need to out manoeuvre Putin at his own game.”
Norway faces more severe threats of eavesdropping from Russia due to its 930 mile sea border and 125 mile strip of land touching the country.
A government source said: “Norway is a natural partner for the UK, both on outlook and our low-key approach to just getting on with the job, and so it makes sense that some of our most discreet and sensitive work is carried out alongside them.”
Since 2021, the UK has tripled its defence activity in Norway, with more than 5,000 troops training their each year.