 "UK spy agency MI6 gets first woman chief. Who is Blaise Metreweli?")
For the first time, a woman will lead the United Kingdom’s foreign intelligence agency, MI6.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has chosen Blaise Metreweli to take charge of the service, making her the first woman to head MI6 since it was set up in 1909.
She currently oversees technology and innovation at MI6, a role similar to the character ‘Q’ in the James Bond films, known for developing gadgets and tech.
In his statement, the Prime Minister said her appointment comes at a time when the UK is “facing threats on an unprecedented scale”.
So who is Blaise Metreweli? What is known about MI6 and the job she will take on?
Here are the answers:
Who is Blaise Metreweli?
The 47-year-old is a long-serving intelligence officer who will now become the only publicly named employee of MI6.
She described her appointment as a moment of pride and said, “I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my Service.”
She will step into the role this autumn, taking over from Richard Moore, who has served as the agency’s chief for five years.
The head of MI6 is traditionally known as “C”, not to be confused with “M” from the James Bond films. While the fictional “M”, once played by Judi Dench, has been a woman, the real-life “C” has never been.
Metreweli is currently MI6’s director general for technology and innovation, a position similar to the role of “Q” in the Bond series. Though the films have never featured a female Q, Metreweli is the second woman known to have held the post in real life.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsShe joined the service in 1999 after studying anthropology at Cambridge University. Over the years, she has held senior roles in both MI6 and MI5, working mainly in operational roles across West Asia and Europe.
Her appointment follows a broader shift in UK intelligence services. MI5 named its first woman chief, Stella Rimington, in 1992, with Eliza Manningham-Buller following in 2002. GCHQ appointed its first female head, Anne Keast-Butler, in 2023.
As MI6 chief, Metreweli will report directly to Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
What are some of the challenges she will face?
Her biggest challenges in the top job will include dealing with Russia, China and Iran.
British intelligence agencies have accused Russia of carrying out sabotage across Europe to try to scare other countries from supporting Ukraine in its war with Moscow.
In 2021, outgoing MI6 chief Richard Moore described China as the agency’s top priority. Meanwhile, MI5 said Iran has been linked to 20 attempts since 2022 to kidnap, kill or target political opponents or dissidents in the UK.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “The historic appointment of Blaise Metreweli comes at a time when the work of our intelligence services has never been more vital.”
He added that the UK 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.”
How people reacted to Metreweli’s appointment
Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who Metreweli will report to, said she is taking charge at a time of “global instability and emerging security threats, where technology is power and our adversaries are working ever closer together.”
He added, “Blaise will ensure the UK can tackle these challenges head-on to keep Britain safe and secure at home and abroad.”
Outgoing MI6 chief Richard Moore called it a “historic appointment” and said, “Blaise is a highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader, and one of our foremost thinkers on technology. I am excited to welcome her as the first female head of MI6.”
Notably, MI6 focuses on overseas intelligence gathering to protect the UK. Its main tasks include countering terrorism, dealing with hostile states and strengthening cybersecurity.
With inputs from agencies
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