US EditionMI6 set to appoint first female boss
- Dame Barbara Woodward, Britain's 63-year-old UN ambassador, is set to become the first female head of MI6, replacing Sir Richard Moore this autumn.
- The appointment comes after interviews last week with three female finalists, with the final choice to be made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is supported by senior government figures such as the Foreign Secretary and the National Security Adviser.
- Critics have raised concerns that Woodward, dubbed 'Beijing Barbara' for her 2015–2020 ambassadorship in China, showed reluctance to criticize the Chinese regime, especially on issues like the Uyghur oppression, which some consider genocide.
- Sir Iain Duncan Smith cautioned that failing to take a firm stance on the dangers presented by China could lead to serious consequences for the UK, expressing concern that Woodward may not have been sufficiently assertive regarding Chinese conduct during her time in the country.
- If appointed, Woodward would bring no direct intelligence experience but supporters argue her foreign service background and China expertise could benefit MI6 amid increasing Chinese espionage concerns targeting the UK.
15 Articles
15 Articles
For the first time, a woman will lead MI6 — and all eyes are on a Beijing-savvy diplomat
MOSCOW, May 12 — The head of British intelligence agency MI6 will be a woman for the first time, as the agency’s leadership is choosing one of three female candidates who have reached the final interview, reported Sputnik/Ria Novosti quoting the Times. Interviews for the post took place last week, and all three final candidates were women, two of them were MI6 officers, the publication added. The newspaper noted that the identity of only one of …
The Sun
MI6 set to appointment first female boss branded 'sympathetic to China'
Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Europa Newswire/Shutterstock (12120169f) Barbara Woodward, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations, Press conference on the situation in Myanmar Today at the UN Headquarters in New York City. Barbara Woodward press conference, New York, USA – 18 Jun 2021Rex A WOMAN is set to take charge of MI6 for the first time in the Secret Intelligence Service’s history. Interviews too…
The head of MI6 will be a woman, the favorite is Barbara Woodward, former ambassador to China
A woman could head the British intelligence service MI6 for the first time, and the favorite for the position is Barbara Woodward, a former ambassador to China who has never worked in intelligence, British media reported today.
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