Turkey ties highlighted
Britain’s outgoing MI6 chief used a farewell address in Istanbul to hail Turkey’s “pivotal” role in global security, citing co-operation on Ukraine, counter-ISIS efforts and regional stability.
The former ambassador to Ankara recalled first arriving in 1989 as a language student and described Turkey as his “second home,” praising close work with intelligence counterparts Hakan Fidan and İbrahim Kalın.
Openness and technology
Arguing MI6 must “be more open to stay secret”, he said the service had modernised by widening partnerships with universities, start-ups and big tech, and through closer work with HMGCC. He pointed to progress on diversity, including more women and ethnic minority leaders, and referenced the public apology issued to the LGBT+ community for historic exclusion.
Russia war assessment
On Ukraine, he lauded President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership and said UK public backing “remains steadfast”. He accused Vladimir Putin of showing “no interest” in a negotiated peace short of capitulation, adding Russia had suffered vast casualties, and argued declassified UK-US intelligence in 2022 helped expose Moscow’s plans and “rallied the alliance”.
New contact portal
He appealed to those with “truths to share” – including in Russia – to contact MI6, unveiling a dark-web portal, Silent Courier, as a “virtual front door” for secure outreach by anyone with information on terrorism or hostile activity. “Our door is always open,” he said.
China, Iran, terrorism
Calling China both opportunity and threat, he urged adherence to non-interference norms while promising the UK would defend its economic security. He warned on Iran’s destabilising behaviour and said ISIS and al-Qaeda were seeking to regroup, with dispersed online radicalisation requiring agility and strong partnerships.
Succession announced
He confirmed that Blaise Metreweli – “Q” in recent years – will become the next “C”, praising her blend of human-intelligence craft and technology leadership. Concluding after nearly four decades of service, he said MI6’s mission and capabilities were “in very safe hands”.
