The piece appears in a subscription outlet with some content behind a paywall.

She underlines the UK’s readiness to take calculated risks and to bolster resilience, drawing on WWII-era SOE analogies.

She emphasizes the integration of technology into MI6, combining cyber capabilities with human intelligence, and trains officers to be fluent in programming and multiple languages.

The remarks also reference predecessors’ notes on Ukraine covert action and China’s priority, recalling the SOE’s wartime missions and methods.

Metreweli argues the front line of modern conflicts now spans cyber, space, information warfare, and traditional theaters, and must be fought across all domains.

While focusing on Russia, she notes China as a central future consideration, stressing MI6 should inform the government about Beijing’s rise and security implications but avoids a broad global threat tour.

She invokes the SOE legacy to suggest MI6 will tap into similar instincts to confront Russia.

A related voice emphasizes sustained pressure on Russia over Ukraine and the central role of technology, advocating fluency in traditional intelligence and programming.

The speech aligns with Western efforts to support Ukraine in peace talks while warning adversaries that responses will widen, including sanctions and stronger NATO resilience.

The SOE’s legacy is summarized—sabotage and reconnaissance in occupied Europe, with diverse weaponry and MI9 training.

Metreweli cites covert-action history and operations like counterterrorism and smuggling interdictions from her career, arguing for shaping on-ground realities.

In a high-stakes address, MI6 chief Emily Metreweli warns Russia is widening its aggression using hybrid tactics, signaling ongoing pressure until Vladimir Putin reassesses his calculus.