Edward Snowden leaks incite vigilantes, former MI5 chief claims

Former MI5 head Jonathan Evans said Edward Snowden damaged security Lord Evans said Islamist terrorists were able to use the Snowden leaks He warned the security services required extra surveillance powers Lord Evans told the House of Lords, terrorists had changed their methods

By James Slack for MailOnline

Published: 18:24 EST, 13 January 2015 | Updated: 10:35 EST, 14 January 2015

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A former head of MI5 last night warned the revelations by CIA fugitive Edward Snowden had left Britain at risk of vigilantism because it was less able to protect itself from Islamist fanaticism.

Breaking his silence on the devastating impact of the security breach, Jonathan Evans said: The result of this can only be that the overall risk of a successful terrorist attack in this country has risen.

In a chilling intervention, he also warned that events in Syria and Iraq had given jihadis a jolt of energy and the Government must complete the unfinished business of giving the security services extra surveillance powers or risk vigilantism on the streets as citizens look to protect themselves.

Former MI5 spy chief Jonathan Evans, pictured, warned that a lack of security will lead to vigilantism

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Edward Snowden leaks incite vigilantes, former MI5 chief claims