Blaise Metreweli Appointed First Female MI6 Chief

Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the first female chief of MI6, the UK's foreign intelligence service, and will take over from Richard Moore this autumn. The appointment is historic for the agency, which was founded in 1909. Prime Minister Keir Starmer cited 'unprecedented' security threats from Russia, China, Iran, and cyberattacks as key challenges facing MI6. Metreweli's selection follows criticism of her main rival, Dame Barbara Woodward, for being viewed as too lenient on China, reflecting a tougher UK stance on Beijing. This move brings MI6 in line with MI5 and GCHQ, which have previously had female leaders. Metreweli has expressed pride in leading MI6 and emphasized collaboration with international partners to safeguard the UK.