The newly appointed chief of MI6, Blaise Metreweli, is set to deliver a stark warning regarding the “acute threat posed by Russia” during her inaugural public speech. This address highlights the escalating risks associated with hybrid warfare, which includes cyber attacks and drone operations suspected to be initiated by Russian proxies targeting vital infrastructure. Metreweli’s comments frame Russia as “an aggressive, expansionist and revisionist” force, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In her speech, scheduled for later today, Metreweli will emphasize the UK’s commitment to maintaining pressure on President Vladimir Putin on behalf of Ukraine. She took the helm of the Secret Intelligence Service on October 1, 2023, succeeding Sir Richard Moore and making history as the first woman to lead Britain’s overseas spy agency.
Metreweli’s address will also draw attention to recent sanctions imposed on Russian entities implicated in information warfare activities. Additionally, two companies based in China have faced sanctions for their “indiscriminate cyber activities” against the UK and its allies. While these Western sanctions have undeniably impacted Russia’s economy, redirecting its trade toward nations such as China and India, they have not altered Putin’s resolve to pursue territorial claims in Ukraine.
As a former member of MI6’s Q Branch, which develops advanced technology for agents, Metreweli is expected to stress the importance of technological proficiency. She intends to call on her intelligence officers to master new technologies, stating, “We must be as comfortable with lines of [computer] code as we are with human sources, as fluent in Python as we are in multiple languages.” This emphasis on technology underscores the evolving landscape of espionage, where digital skills are as crucial as traditional tradecraft.
In a related context, Sir Richard Knighton, the Chief of the Defence Staff, will deliver a speech to the Royal United Services Institute, advocating for a “whole of society approach” to bolster national resilience against growing threats. He is expected to underscore the necessity of prioritizing defense and resilience beyond military circles, stating that the current threat environment is more perilous than at any point during his career.
Knighton will argue that Russia’s intentions are clear: to challenge, divide, and ultimately undermine NATO. His call for a comprehensive response involves leveraging the UK’s resources across various sectors, including education, industry, and healthcare. “A new era for defence doesn’t just mean our military and government stepping up – as we are – it means our whole nation stepping up,” Knighton will assert.
Addressing concerns highlighted in a recent report by the Royal Academy of Engineering, Knighton will announce a £50 million investment in new defense technical excellence colleges. This initiative aims to bridge the skills gap and enhance the UK’s defense capabilities through collaboration with industry and young talent.
The discourse surrounding national security strategies is intensifying, particularly in light of similar plans for voluntary national service recently announced by both France and Germany. Although past proposals for compulsory service in the UK have faced criticism, the ongoing debate reflects a growing recognition of the need for a unified response to an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
