"The tears that have been shed internationally have been of the crocodile variety"

As for the impact of the revelations about the capabilities of the NSA and GCHQ on allies, Inkster said the reality was any government with a national communications system also had a national signal intelligence capability.

"The tears that have been shed internationally have been of the crocodile variety," he said in an apparent reference to US allies, notably Germany, which have expressed concern about the activities of the NSA and GCHQ and the extent of their ability to intercept communications.

Inkster was speaking at a press conference at the launch of the latest annual Strategic Survey published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Ex-MI6 deputy chief plays down damage caused by Snowden leaks

Nigel Inkster's comments contrast with claims made by officials that disclosures have seriously damaged UK security