MI6 chiefs look to City for recruits

British intelligence services have asked City businesses to help in their biggest recruitment drive since the end of the Cold War.

Spy chiefs want company executives to put them in touch with potential recruits - particularly people with language skills and a detailed knowledge of world affairs.

The need for more agents has become acute following the 11 September attacks in the US.

Britain is seen as a potential target of Islamic terrorism because of its support for US military action in Afghanistan. There is also concern that hardline republicans may try to destroy the Northern Ireland peace process.

Business leaders were asked to help with the recruitment drive at an unpublicised lunch held yesterday at MI6 headquarters.

It was attended by up to 40 executives.Guests were told by senior MI6 officials that they were finding it difficult to find people with the right qualifications and abilities. "We were basically told to give a hand and look out for young or proven talent we could send their way", one executive told the Financial Times.

Most of the executives at the lunch had either had a career in the intelligence services or maintained links with them over the years, according to the paper. They were told that the greatest need is for recruits with language and analytical skills. Spy chiefs have drawn up plans for an 18 per cent increase in staff next year.