The Mishal Husain Show Richard Moore Was Paid to Steal Secrets, Not Solve Mysteries
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Nov 14, 2025 Richard Moore, a long-serving British intelligence officer and former head of MI6, shares insights from nearly four decades in espionage. He discusses the dual nature of China as both an opportunity and a threat, emphasizing the need for robust defenses against its relentless intelligence gathering. Moore reflects on the complexities of revealing his spy career to his children and contrasts real spycraft with its fictional portrayals. He also assesses Vladimir Putin's motives and the importance of UK-US intelligence collaboration in an increasingly contested global landscape.
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World More Contested Than Recent Memory
- Richard Moore says the international order is more contested and disorderly than in his 38-year career.
- He warns that many loose ends and fraying relationships increase sudden, hard-to-manage dangers.
China Is Opportunity And Threat
- Moore frames China as both an opportunity and a threat, not purely an adversary.
- He says intelligence should enable leaders to seize opportunities as well as manage dangers.
Be Robust Domestically Against Espionage
- Be robust at home to deny and tackle hostile behaviour like espionage and cyber attacks.
- Prioritise detection and deterrence with MI5, GCHQ and allied cooperation.
