Number of agents investigating terror to 'substantially' increase

The number of agents in the security and intelligence services investigating terror plots is to "substantially" increase, George Osborne has announced.

The chancellor said "the probable fate of that Russian airliner in Sinai is a painful reminder" that the government needed to strengthen the anti-terror efforts of MI5, MI6 and GCHQ.

"I can confirm that over the next five years we will substantially increase the number of people across all three secret intelligence agencies who investigate and analyse and help disrupt terrorist plots," he said in a speech in west London.

More details are to announced on November 23 when David Cameron announces the findings of the Strategic Defence and Security Review, Mr Osborne added.

Mr Osborne made the announcement as three government departments agreed plans with the Treasury to slash their budgets.