Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove has warned that the UK is dangerously exposed to energy security risks, pointing to reliance on foreign manufacturing, imported components and critical infrastructure.
Speaking at the Global Warming Policy Foundation’s annual lecture in London on Wednesday, Sir Dearlove argued that energy policy should be treated as a matter of national security.
He said: “We have as a nation negligently wandered close to a cliff edge and the adversaries I have described stand ready to help us over it.”
Sir Richard also warned that Britain’s exposure was particularly concerning given the Russia and China are increasingly using economic, technological and infrastructural dependencies to harness geopolitical power.
He highlighted the vulnerability of undersea cables, pipelines and electricity interconnectors, as well as Britain’s dependence on foreign manufacturers for key components of the electricity grid.
He said: “We have very little industry left to protect and we cannot rebuild non-existent industries which lie in foreign jurisdictions beyond our reach.”
The comments come as the UK continues to increase its reliance on electricity imports. Government figures show the UK imported the equivalent to around 13% of gross electricity supply In 2025.
At the same time, the UK is reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. DESNZ figures show renewables supplied 48% of electricity on a supply basis in 2025/26.
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