MI6’s chief warns Theresa May her Brexit deal must not damage Britain’s intelligence network across Europe

MI6’s chief has warned Theresa May her Brexit deal must not damage Britain’s intelligence network across Europe.

Spy boss Alex Younger said he “will aim for and expect continuity” for his service’s vital relationships, especially with France and Germany.

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His intervention today came after Cabinet ministers said the UK’s security prowess should be part of our EU exit negotiations.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said “future intelligence sharing” should be on the table, along with trade and immigration.

But Mr Younger signalled that could prove disastrous during a wide-ranging speech, the first to be delivered inside MI6’s HQ yesterday.

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Having heaped praise on his opposite numbers in Paris and Berlin, Mr Younger said: “I’m often asked what effect the big political changes of 2016, Brexit and the US election result, will have on these relationships.

“My answer is that I will aim for, and expect, continuity.

“The threats that we faced before these events have not gone away.”

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He also insisted MI6 will continue to work very closely with the CIA when Donald Trump takes over as US president in January.

‘C’ added: “I am determined that MI6 remains a ready and highly effective partner; just as the UK is and will be.

“These partnerships save lives in all our countries.”

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