Fact Check: Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the first female chief of MI6, the United Kingdom's foreign intelligence agency, as announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on March 18, 2025.

Fact Check: Blaise Metreweli Appointed as First Female Chief of MI6

What We Know

On March 18, 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the appointment of Blaise Metreweli as the first female chief of MI6, the United Kingdom's foreign intelligence agency. This historic appointment marks a significant milestone since the agency's founding in 1909. Metreweli, who has a 25-year career in intelligence and was previously the Director of Technology and Innovation at MI6, will replace Sir Richard Moore, who has held the position for five years (AP News, GOV.UK).

Starmer emphasized the importance of this appointment amid increasing global threats, stating, "the work of our intelligence services has never been more vital" (GOV.UK). Metreweli expressed her pride in leading the agency, highlighting the critical role MI6 plays in national security (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the first female chief of MI6 is supported by multiple reputable sources. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and both the official government website and major news outlets have reported on this historic event. For instance, the BBC and CNN have confirmed her appointment and provided details about her background and the significance of her role.

The sources used in this fact-check are credible and include government announcements, established news organizations, and international media. The Associated Press, BBC, and CNN are known for their journalistic integrity and thorough reporting. The information from these sources is consistent, confirming that Metreweli's appointment is indeed a landmark achievement for MI6 and reflects broader efforts to increase diversity within the agency (Reuters, Sky News).

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the first female chief of MI6 is accurate. The announcement was officially made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and corroborated by multiple reliable sources, confirming her historic role and the context of her appointment.

Sources

1. Britain's spy agency gets its first female chief | AP News
2. First ever female MI6 chief appointed - GOV.UK
3. Britain appoints first female head of MI6 spy agency | Reuters
4. Blaise Metreweli appointed as MI6's first female chief | BBC
5. Blaise Metreweli: UK to get first female spy chief | CNN
6. Career spy Blaise Metreweli to become first woman to head MI6 | Sky News
7. UK appoints Blaise Metreweli first woman head of MI6 spy | France24
8. Britain's MI6 spy agency gets its first female chief | Las Vegas Sun