New MI6 Chief Metreweli Highlights Russian Threat and Emphasizes Technological Expertise
Metreweli has become the new chief of MI6, making history as the first woman to head Britain's overseas spy agency, taking over the role on 1 October.
In her first public speech, she warned of an acute threat from Russia and hybrid warfare, including cyber attacks and drone activities near critical infrastructure carried out by Russian proxies. She described Russia as aggressive, expansionist, and revisionist, pledging continued pressure on Vladimir Putin over the situation in Ukraine.
Metreweli joined MI6 in 1999 and advanced through Q Branch, the agency's in-house technology division. She urged officers to master technology both in the field and in laboratories and to become fluent in Python programming and multiple languages.
The UK has imposed sanctions targeting Russian entities involved in information warfare and two China-based companies responsible for indiscriminate cyber activities against the UK and its allies. Although Western sanctions have damaged Russia's economy, they have not deterred Putin, as Russia shifts its exports eastward toward China and India.
Separately, Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton plans to advocate for a whole-of-society approach to national resilience. He will announce £50 million for new defence technical excellence colleges. Knighton highlighted that Russia aims to challenge NATO, emphasizing that Britain must mobilize across society — including universities, industry, and essential services — as part of its national resilience strategy.
