The chief of Britain's intelligence agency has said that nuclear proliferation poses a greater danger to the West's security than potential mass terror attacks.
Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) chief John Sawers said "our country, our democratic system, will not be brought down by a typical terrorist attack."
But, he said, the dangers of "proliferation of nuclear weapons and chemical and biological weapons are more far-reaching [because] it can alter the whole balance of power in a region."
Sawers statement marks the first time an active chief of Britain's spy service has spoken publicly. He was addressing a group of academics and journalists in London.
compiled from agency reports
Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) chief John Sawers said "our country, our democratic system, will not be brought down by a typical terrorist attack."
But, he said, the dangers of "proliferation of nuclear weapons and chemical and biological weapons are more far-reaching [because] it can alter the whole balance of power in a region."
Sawers statement marks the first time an active chief of Britain's spy service has spoken publicly. He was addressing a group of academics and journalists in London.
compiled from agency reports