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Snapshot 6:Mon, Jun 16, 2025 8:56:04 AM GMT last edited by Anna-Lisa

UK: Blaise Metreweli Becomes First Female MI6 Chief

UK: Blaise Metreweli Becomes First Female MI6 Chief

Above: A Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) logo is pictured at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, in December 2018. Image copyright: Andrew Milligan/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

The Spin

Metreweli's appointment as the first female head of MI6 is a historic and welcome step. With deep experience in both MI6 and MI5 and a sharp focus on innovation, she's the right leader for a world of digital threats and global instability. Her leadership proves that diversity in intelligence is not merely a matter of affirmative action but rather a vital asset in defending British interests.

It's disappointing that Dame Barbara Woodward was overlooked for the role of C following unjust media accusations over links to China. Her calm strength, strategic clarity, and diplomatic integrity made her the natural choice. Rejecting her in favor of safer optics is a missed chance for principled, experienced leadership at a critical moment for U.K. intelligence and security.

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 74% chance that either the U.K. or France will veto a UN Security Council resolution before 2051, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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