Spooks

Well, maybe it's true. But it's also convenient. The BBC reports:

"Al-Qaeda has become more organised and sophisticated and has made Britain its top target, counter-terrorism officials have told the BBC.
Security sources say the situation has never been so grim, said BBC home affairs correspondent Margaret Gilmore.
They believe the network is now operating a cell structure in the UK - like the IRA did - and sees the 7 July bomb attacks "as just the beginning".

Why are 'security sources' talking to the BBC? Why not just get on with their job? Three reasons come to mind:
1. it provides the government with a justification for a further assault on civil liberties (and a bill is already lined up for the next parliamentary session);
2. it will enable the security services to say 'we told you so' if another terrorist outrage occurs (and to claim the credit if it doesn't); and
3. it strengthens the case for pouring more resources into the security services, which is always in the forefront of the bureaucratic mindset.

But, perhaps, I am being unduly cynical...