Former MI6 Chief Warns Net Zero Policy Benefits Enemies

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove warned that the UK’s pursuit of Net Zero emissions has increased its exposure to disruptions from adversaries like Russia and China, particularly targeting critical energy infrastructure. He emphasized the need to balance climate goals with national security to protect the country’s energy networks from potential state-sponsored attacks.

Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove has expressed concern that the United Kingdom’s focus on achieving Net Zero emissions may have inadvertently increased the country’s vulnerability to geopolitical threats, particularly from Russia and China. Speaking at an event hosted by the Global Warming Policy Foundation in London, Dearlove cautioned that the pressing challenges posed by leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping overshadow the risks posed by climate change.

Dearlove warned that Russia, through its intelligence services, has developed the capacity to disrupt critical infrastructure, including undersea cables, energy pipelines, and electricity interconnectors essential to the UK’s energy security. He stressed that these vulnerabilities have emerged not due to external conspiracies but as a consequence of domestic policy decisions aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

“We are not the victims of a conspiracy to make us vulnerable. We have quite casually done this to ourselves,” Dearlove said, urging a reassessment of the country’s energy strategy. He advocated for an approach that moves the UK “back a safe distance from the cliff edge,” suggesting the need to balance environmental objectives with national security imperatives.

The former intelligence chief’s remarks highlight a tension between environmental policies designed to combat climate change and the practical considerations of safeguarding critical infrastructure against potential state-sponsored attacks. As the UK accelerates its transition to renewable energy sources and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, questions remain about the resilience of energy networks and the protection of vital assets.

While climate change continues to be recognised as a significant global threat, Dearlove’s comments underscore the importance of addressing immediate national security risks posed by adversarial states. This perspective calls for energy policies that not only aim to reduce emissions but also ensure the robustness and security of the nation’s infrastructure in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.