Picture: Foreign Office
A female has been appointed head of MI6 for the first time in its 116-year history.
Blaise Metreweli is the 18th chief since the SIS was founded.
Ms Metreweli will take over from Sir Richard Moore later this year.
She is currently in charge of technology and innovation – the “Q” job in James Bond films.
MI6 gathers intelligence overseas to protect the UK’s security.
It works to stop terrorism, disrupt hostile state and boost cyber-security.
The Government has recently pledged an extra £1 billion to tackle “unfriendly” countries like Iran, North Korea, Russia and China.
The MI6 chief – known as “C” – is the only publicly known person in the service.
Ms Metreweli, 47, studied anthropology at the University of Cambridge.
She joined the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) in 1999.
She said: “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.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the appointment “historic” at a time “when the work of our intelligence services has never been more vital”.
In an interview in December 2021 Ms Metreweli said:
“Threats to UK national security really are diverse.
“The threats we are looking at primarily exist around protecting government, protecting secrets, protecting our people – so counter-assassination – protecting our economy, sensitive technology and critical knowledge.
“Russian state activity – not Russia itself – remains a threat and China was changing the way the world is and that presents amazing opportunities and threats for the UK”.
Sir Richard Moore has spent five years as “C”.
He said: “I am “absolutely delighted with the historic appointment of Blaise.
He added: “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.”
