KGB spy on hunger strike for pension

A former KGB spy begins a hunger strike opposite Downing Street today in support of his campaign for a UK pension.

Former double agent Viktor Makarov, 49, defected to Britain in 1992 after serving five years for treason in a Russian labour camp. On arrival MI5 arranged a British passport and found him a rented bedsit. But after giving him £12,000 they abandoned him, he claims.

Since then he has campaigned for a defector's pension, as received by other spies. "I feel betrayed by the country for which I risked my life," Mr Makarov said.

His solicitor Nogah Ofer said: "He has been treated very badly."