On June 15, 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the historic appointment of Blaise Metreweli as the first female head of MI6 during a Group of Seven summit in Alberta, Canada.

Outgoing chief Sir Richard Moore expressed his delight at Metreweli's appointment, praising her intelligence, leadership skills, and expertise in technology.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Metreweli as the ideal candidate to lead MI6 into the future, emphasizing the significance of her role amid global instability.

Metreweli will face unprecedented challenges from adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, who are increasingly collaborating against Western interests.

With extensive operational experience in the Middle East and Europe, Metreweli is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern intelligence.

As MI6 adapts to rapid technological advancements in intelligence gathering, including digital and space-based methods, her leadership will be crucial.

The selection process for the new MI6 chief was conducted privately, focusing on candidates from various sectors, ultimately favoring an internal candidate with a strong background in espionage.

Sir Richard Moore had previously indicated the need for a female successor, highlighting the importance of breaking the glass ceiling within the agency.

During Moore's nearly five-year tenure, he identified China as a top priority for MI6, while MI5 reported Iranian involvement in multiple plots against dissidents in Britain since 2022.

MI6 has accused Russia of conducting sabotage campaigns in Europe to deter support for Ukraine amid ongoing aggression.

The UK's relationship with China has soured significantly in recent years, moving from a previously cordial stance to a more critical approach under new leadership.

In light of these challenges, the UK government has announced an additional £600 million investment in the intelligence community to enhance national security efforts.