Officials in Britain have tightened security measures and raised the level of secrecy of some trade documents to prevent them from leaking and falling into the hands of the United States, the newspaper The Guardian reported, citing sources.
The change in working protocols is related to the tension in relations between London and Washington over trade and foreign policy issues. Previously, documents on trade with the United States were classified as "official - confidential" and officials were allowed to share them in internal emails. Now documents from the Foreign Office and the Department of Business and Trade, which mention London's negotiating positions, are classified as "secret". and "top secret". In addition, employees received new instructions with recommendations on how to send them and how to avoid leaks and interceptions.
Companies that work with the Ministry of Business and Trade have also been advised to take additional precautions.
Earlier, the Financial Times newspaper, citing sources, reported that the European Commission had begun issuing disposable phones and regular laptops to employees traveling to the United States to avoid espionage.