UK expand by 15 percent staff its intelligence agency and double spending on aviation security to defend against possible attacks by Islamist militants from Syria, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Monday.
Reuters
The country decided to reinforce its defenses after growing number of threats to the UK and the recent attacks in Paris and Tunisia, in addition to seven other potential attacks in the past six months that Britain could frustrate, said Cameron.
"We have been aware of the existence of these cells operating in Syria to radicalize people in our own countries, potentially sent back to carry out attacks," Cameron told BBC radio from the Turkish resort of Belek , where he is attending the G-20.
"Our security and intelligence services have failed to curb some seven attacks in the past six months, although they were smaller scale. This is one reason why we are strengthening the security and intelligence services, "he added.
Cameron said his country is facing a generational struggle that requires more human resources to counter it.
The British government announced that as part of the review to be conducted every five years on defense and security, to be released on November 23, is scheduled to 1,900 spies who will join the MI5 and MI6 agencies and intended spy agency GCHQ.
This announcement also includes a "step change" regarding air safety, following the attack on a Russian plane that crashed in Egypt last month, suspected that Britain was brought down by a bomb blast.
Cameron is expected to address the issue of aviation safety with the leaders who will attend the G20 summit held Monday in Turkey, and during the bilateral meeting scheduled with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Cameron expects to double government spending on aviation security, which currently stands at 9 million pounds (12.7 million euros) a year for the next five years.