Keir Starmer has appointed the first ever woman to lead the secret intelligence service MI6. Britain (Image: FCDO)
Keir Starmer hailed the “historic appointment” of MI6’s first-ever female spy chief. Blaise Metreweli will take over from Sir Richard Moore as “C” - the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service. The career intelligence officer, who joined the organisation in 1999 as a case officer, is currently “Q” – the director general responsible for technology and innovation.
Ministers believe Ms Metreweli's technical prowess will help protect the UK, which is facing "threats on an unprecedented scale". The role has been made famous by the James Bond blockbusters and the vast array of gizmos and gadgets to help Britain’s spies.
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At least two of the most senior women at MI6 are believed to have put themselves forward for the top job.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “The historic appointment of Blaise Metreweli comes at a time when the work of our intelligence services has never been more vital.
“The United Kingdom is facing threats on an unprecedented scale – be it aggressors who send their spy ships to our waters or hackers whose sophisticated cyber plots seek to disrupt our public services.
“I’d like to thank Sir Richard Moore for his dedicated service, and I know Blaise will continue to provide the excellent leadership needed to defend our county and keep our people safe – the foundation of my Plan for Change.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: "I am delighted to appoint Blaise Metreweli as the next Chief of MI6. With a wealth of experience from across our national security community, Blaise is the ideal candidate to lead MI6 into the future.
“At a time of global instability and emerging security threats, where technology is power and our adversaries are working ever closer together, Blaise will ensure the UK can tackle these challenges head on to keep Britain safe and secure at home and abroad.
“Every day, our intelligence services work behind the scenes to protect our national security and compete with our adversaries. That’s why I am proud that we are investing an extra ￡600 million in our intelligence community so they can continue to defend our way of life.
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“I would also like to pay tribute to Sir Richard Moore for his service and leadership. I have worked closely with him over the past year and thank him for his valuable contribution enhancing our national security and protecting the British public."
Ms Metreweli will take up the role this autumn when Sir Richard steps down this autumn.
Due to strict security rules, the only MI6 officer publicly named is C.
Two of the final four on the shortlist to take as the head of MI6 were believed to be internal candidates.
Jonathan Allen, director-general of defence and intelligence at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Barbara Woodward, the UK’s permanent representative to the UN and a former ambassador to China, were also believed to be on the shortlist.
MI5 has been led by two female directors-general, Dame Stella Rimington and Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller.
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GCHQ, the UK’s signals intelligence agency, appointed Anne Keast-Butler as its first female director two years ago.
Blaise Metreweli CMG said: "I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my Service. MI6 plays a vital role - with MI5 and GCHQ - in keeping the British people safe and promoting UK interests overseas.
“I look forward to continuing that work alongside the brave officers and agents of MI6 and our many international partners."
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