MI6 appoints first ever female chief to lead secret intelligence service
Keir Starmer has appointed the first ever woman to lead the secret intelligence service MI6.
Britain's new top spy, Blaise Metreweli, spent most of her career in the Middle East and Europe and first joined the top secret agency as a case officer in 1999.
Ms Metreweli, who is currently director general 'Q' of MI6, will succeed Sir Richard Moore as the 18th 'C' when he leaves the service in the autumn.
The role is the only publicly named member of the organisation.
The intelligence service was dramatised in Ian Fleming's James Bond novels and films and saw the actress Dame Judie Dench play the first female chief of MI6.
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Mr Starmer said: '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."
Ms Metreweli, who studied at Cambridge and has previously held director-level roles in MI6 and MI5, 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."
Mr Starmer also thanked departing MI6 chief Sir Richard for his "dedicated service".
Sir Richard said: "I am absolutely delighted by this historic appointment of my colleague, Blaise Metreweli to succeed me as 'C'.
"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."
Foreign Secretary David Lammy added: "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."
He added: "Every day, our intelligence services work behind the scenes to protect our national security and compete with our adversaries."
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