Russia Rated UK's Biggest Threat After Al-Qaeda And Iran

The Kremlin

From The Times Online:

Britain’s security services have identified Russia as the third most serious threat facing the country, it has emerged before Gordon Brown’s first meeting with President Medvedev.

Security officials say that only al-Qaeda terrorism and Iranian nuclear proliferation are greater menaces to the country’s safety than Russia.

The services are understood to fear that Russia’s three main intelligence agencies have flooded the country with agents, The Times understands.

Read more ....

More News on U.K. - Russian Relations:
Russians move to end rift with UK -- The Guardian
Russia's Dmitry Medvedev offers olive branch to Britain -- The Telegraph
Russia to meet Britain halfway over poisoning row -- Reuters
Onus on Britain to improve Russia ties: Russian official -- AFP
Moscow looks to UK to make amends with Russia -- ROS Business
Russia hopes U.K. will take steps to improve ties at G8 -- RIA Novosti

My Comment: The Guardian talks about how the Russian President wants to make amends to the U.K., but Russian Business News (ROS Business) and RIA Novosti say the complete opposite. In my opinion, the Russian News Services are probably more closer to the Russian inner circle than the Guardian. Russia is not going to bend its back towards the Brits. The Russians have the oil, natural gas, and resources that Europe needs. The U.K. is a minor player in their affairs.

The Russians are also aware the Prime Minister Gordon Brown will probably lose the next election. That politically, his influence is on the wane.

In regards to spying and espionage .... The Russian services are probably more concerned about Britain providing sanctuary to Russian citizens that are wanted for corruption and fraud charges back home. This is the sore point between the two countries (From the Russian Perspective).