Prime Minister Starmer: "A Historic Moment, Expecting Outstanding Leadership"
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that, for the first time in the history of the UK's foreign intelligence agency MI6, a woman will be appointed as Director.
According to CNN on June 15 (local time), Blaze Metrewelly is set to take office as Director of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) in the second half of the year. Metrewelly currently leads the agency's technology and innovation team and is the real-life inspiration for 'Q' as referenced in the James Bond films. Although it was revealed in 2017 that 'Q' was a woman, Metrewelly's name was not disclosed at that time.
Prime Minister Starmer described the appointment as "historic." In a statement, he said, "I believe she will continue to provide the outstanding leadership needed to defend our country and keep our people safe."
Metrewelly stated, "I am proud and honored to take command of MI6. Together with MI5 and GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters), MI6 plays a vital role in keeping the British people safe and advancing the UK's interests overseas." She added, "I look forward to continuing this work alongside MI6's courageous officers and agents, as well as our many international partners."
Metrewelly, a graduate of the University of Oxford, joined the police force in 1999. She has previously held director-level positions at both MI6 and MI5, the security and counterintelligence agency, and is currently Head of the Q Section at MI6, responsible for technology and innovation.
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