Cops to be given new powers to stop suspected foreign spies and assassins at border

COPS will be handed new powers today to stop suspected foreign spies and assassins at the border.

Specially trained officers can now stop, question and when necessary detain and search people travelling through UK ports if they suspect “hostile state activity.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said 'The threat posed to the UK from hostile state activity is growing and ever changing' — Home Secretary Priti Patel said ‘The threat posed to the UK from hostile state activity is growing and ever changing’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

The new law was created in response to the 2018 Salisbury novichok attack.

The incident left former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66 and daughter, Yulia, 33, hospitalised for weeks.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “The threat posed to the UK from hostile state activity is growing and ever changing.

“These new powers send a very clear message to those involved in it that this Government has zero tolerance for those acting against British interests.

“But I am clear more must be done and we are developing new legislation to bring our laws up to date and create new ones to stay ahead of the threat.”