British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke at the Policy Exchange in London, highlighting the growing dangers from authoritarian states such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

Intelligence expert Lieutenant-Colonel Crispin Black MBE underlined Russia's resurgence as a significant threat to Europe and the UK, and China's increasing support of Putin's regime.

Sunak called for heightened military spending in response to these global security challenges.

He expressed confidence in the UK's capacity to navigate these threats by leveraging technology, notably artificial intelligence.

The speech is set against the backdrop of potential national elections and his party's risk of losing power after 14 years.

Opposition leaders have accused the Conservative government of neglecting security issues and weakening the country's position.