Theresa May to use UK’s world-class terrorism intelligence as a bargaining tool in Brexit talks

THERESA May will put Britain’s world beating counter-terrorism expertise on the table during Brexit negotiations, Downing Street has confirmed.

In a little noticed line in her Tory conference speech on Sunday, the PM included GCHQ, MI5 and MI6’s world beating intelligence as part of the UK's potential exit deal.

The fleeting reference was intended to be a strong message to Europe’s capitals - many of whom rely heavily on our spy networks to warn them of impending terror attacks.

The controversial addition will spark fury among them, as could easily be read as a veiled threat that tip offs may be withdrawn unless Brussels continues to stump up free trade.

But No10 sources insisted there is nothing wrong with Mrs May playing “hardball”.