UK concerned about sharing intelligence with US over Trump-Russia links
What's the story
British intelligence agencies are reportedly re-evaluating their information-sharing partnership with the United States, especially when it comes to Russia. This change in attitude comes primarily due to the friendly ties of Donald Trump's administration with Russia. Since taking office, Trump has reversed the post-WWII bipartisan foreign policy, aligning the United States with Russia and turning against longstanding European allies.
Intelligence apprehensions
Concerns over intelligence sharing amid Trump's pro-Russia stance
British spy agencies are concerned that sharing Russia-related information with the Trump administration could compromise their agents' safety. This fear has already resulted in some agents operating in Russia and Ukraine being extracted as a protective measure. The concern is that the intelligence shared with the US might reach Russia, endangering sources or agents involved in sensitive operations.
Information rationing
UK spy agencies limit information shared with CIA
British spy chiefs have reportedly begun to significantly ration the information shared with their US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) counterparts, according to a report by The Mail. The British Prime Minister's Office said there had been no changes to the way intelligence is shared. However, The Mail said that Security Minister Dan Jarvis had met with the heads of foreign intelligence agency MI6 and domestic intelligence agency MI5 to talk about the security of British intelligence.
Shared apprehensions
US intelligence community also shares UK's concerns
Concerns over information sharing aren't limited to British agencies. According to diplomatic sources, the US intelligence community is also in a state of panic and is taking measures to destroy information that could expose assets in Russia. This common fear underscores the risks that can come with close ties between the Trump administration and Western adversaries like Russia and China, which have raised alarm bells for other Western countries.