UK Breaking Barriers: Blaise Metreweli Becomes First Woman to Lead MI6

[Liverpool Lou]

48 minutes ago, mogandave said:

It is amusing how the left howls at Trump appointments for being unqualified, and then defend the appointment of an anthropology major….

...whose background is both diverse and distinguished. In addition to her tenure in MI6 as Head of Technology, she has held a director-level role in MI5, further demonstrating her deep familiarity with the inner workings of British intelligence.  

[Liverpool Lou]

45 minutes ago, mogandave said:

I am sorry that you are not amused at how the left howled at Trump appointments for being unqualified, and then defend the appointment of an anthropology major, I think it’s hilarious. 

 

 

You seem to be suggesting that she has just left Cambridge and stepped straight into the top job at MI6 and that her education is "hilarious".  What's so fcking "hilarious" about it?

[Liverpool Lou]

On 6/17/2025 at 9:38 AM, Hakuna Matata said:

A lesbian with Georgian roots? A big win for the British LGBT community.

Her children would likely disagree with your bizarre mischaracterisation.

[mikeymike100]

On 6/17/2025 at 10:28 AM, roquefort said:

Hardly a surprise. All three candidates selected were women, which suggests a DEI appointment. I just hope she's up to the job.

MI6’s leadership, under Sir Richard Moore, explicitly aimed to diversify its senior ranks. The agency’s male-only leadership history (116 years without a female chief) prompted Moore’s 2023 pledge to avoid all-male shortlists. This aligns with DEI principles, which prioritize representation of underrepresented groups, in this case, women in high-level intelligence roles.

The all-female shortlist was designed to level the playing field, given that women made up only 37% of MI6 staff in 2016, with even lower representation in senior roles. By 2025, MI6 aimed for 47% female staff quota, showing a structural effort to create equitable pathways. 

So you can see that MI6 was aiming for a 47% female staff QUOTA? So all this is evidence it was potentially  a DEI appointment!

[mikeymike100]

17 hours ago, RayC said:

 

Could you explain why she is unsuitable for the role?  Lack of ability? Skeletons in the closet? 

Where did I state she is unsuitable for the role?

[Woke to Sounds]

23 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

We’ve got another one!

 

Another one what?

[merck]

Well, women can't keep a secret. Let's hope she bucks the trend.

[zmisha]

As a Russian, I like it very much. Also, I am very saddened that there are so few women in the British army. I wish the Minister of Defense and soldiers were only women.

[RayC]

8 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

MI6’s leadership, under Sir Richard Moore, explicitly aimed to diversify its senior ranks. The agency’s male-only leadership history (116 years without a female chief) prompted Moore’s 2023 pledge to avoid all-male shortlists. This aligns with DEI principles, which prioritize representation of underrepresented groups, in this case, women in high-level intelligence roles.

The all-female shortlist was designed to level the playing field, given that women made up only 37% of MI6 staff in 2016, with even lower representation in senior roles. By 2025, MI6 aimed for 47% female staff quota, showing a structural effort to create equitable pathways. 

So you can see that MI6 was aiming for a 47% female staff QUOTA? So all this is evidence it was potentially  a DEI appointment!

 

That is no more evidence of bias i.e. that Metreweli was potentially a DEI appointment, than saying that the appointment of a male to a job was potentially an example of the glass ceiling and anti-female bias. 

 

A lot more convincing evidence is needed.

[RayC]

8 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

Where did I state she is unsuitable for the role?

 

You implied that those taking umbrage at Metreweli's appointment were 'realists' and, by extension, I assumed that you supported that view?

 

Given the likelihood that this time last week, 99.9% of people - myself included - had never heard of Ms. Metreweli's existence, I struggle to believe that those criticising her appointment have the slightest idea about her abilities and suitability for the role.

 

Therefore, I can't think of any other reason apart from misogyny - or perhaps, homophobia; someone has suggested she is a lesbian - for those posting here to object to her appointment.

[blaze master]

On 6/18/2025 at 6:07 AM, Liverpool Lou said:

Her children would likely disagree with your bizarre mischaracterisation.

 

Kathleen Wynne would disagree with you.

[mikeymike100]

2 hours ago, RayC said:

 

That is no more evidence of bias i.e. that Metreweli was potentially a DEI appointment, than saying that the appointment of a male to a job was potentially an example of the glass ceiling and anti-female bias. 

 

A lot more convincing evidence is needed.

"The all-female shortlist was designed to level the playing field, given that women made up only 37% of MI6 staff in 2016, with even lower representation in senior roles. By 2025, MI6 aimed for 47% female staff quota, showing a structural effort to create equitable pathways." 

Putting people in jobs to fill quotas, instead of merit, is DEI, in a nutshell.!

Another red flag..."The all-female shortlist was designed to level the playing field, given that women made up only 37% of MI6 staff in 2016, with even lower representation in senior roles"

If it read to put the best person in with the ability to do the job, OK fair enough, but clearly this is not what is said.

[RayC]

12 minutes ago, mikeymike100 said:

"The all-female shortlist was designed to level the playing field, given that women made up only 37% of MI6 staff in 2016, with even lower representation in senior roles. By 2025, MI6 aimed for 47% female staff quota, showing a structural effort to create equitable pathways." 

Putting people in jobs to fill quotas, instead of merit, is DEI, in a nutshell.!

Another red flag..."The all-female shortlist was designed to level the playing field, given that women made up only 37% of MI6 staff in 2016, with even lower representation in senior roles"

If it read to put the best person in with the ability to do the job, OK fair enough, but clearly this is not what is said.

 

But the shortlist for this post was not all-female. It comprised of 3 women and 1 man (Source: The Times). The Times also stated that, "Metreweli has been the internal frontrunner for several years and has been groomed for the top job."

 

Now no doubt some will see this as confirmation of DEI at work, discounting the possibility that the selection panel simply considered these four individuals to be the best suited for the job, and that by identifying Metreweli at a relatively early stage in proceedings might be viewed as good succession planning.

[josephbloggs]

29 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

But the shortlist for this post was not all-female. It comprised of 3 women and 1 man (Source: The Times). The Times also stated that, "Metreweli has been the internal frontrunner for several years and has been groomed for the top job."

 

Now no doubt some will see this as confirmation of DEI at work, discounting the possibility that the selection panel simply considered these four individuals to be the best suited for the job, and that by identifying Metreweli at a relatively early stage in proceedings might be viewed as good succession planning.

Oh no, you mentioned grooming. No doubt Jonny will be along soon trying to champion Yaxley-Lennon. 

 

[ThreeCardMonte]

Looks like DEI.  Smells like DEI. Walks like DEI.

 

It could be DEI.

 

 But give her a chance to FUBAR,

How much field experience does she have?  Real field experience.  Not an appointed Department Head.

 

Rank and File approval or gossiping behind closed doors saying WTF?

 

 

 

 

 

[josephbloggs]

11 minutes ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Looks like DEI.  Smells like DEI. Walks like DEI.

 

It could be DEI.

 

 But give her a chance to FUBAR,

How much field experience does she have?  Real field experience.  Not an appointed Department Head.

 

Rank and File approval or gossiping behind closed doors saying WTF?

 

 

You really are pathetic. 

She is massively experienced, including many "front line" operational roles in the middle east. She is fluent in Arabic.

You're just a loser denigrating a high achieving person just because she is a woman, it is very sad indeed, but not unexpected given the drivel you come out with all over this forum.

[Celsius]

There's only one

[RayC]

3 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Looks like DEI.

 

Does it? In what way? Do you have any evidence to support that view?

 

3 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

 Smells like DEI.

 

Does it? In what way? Do you have any evidence to support that view?

 

3 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Walks like DEI.

 

Does it? In what way? Do you have any evidence to support that view?

 

(Getting a bit repetitive this)

 

3 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

It could be DEI.

 

Not based on the evidence presented by you it couldn't 

 

3 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

 But give her a chance to FUBAR

 

Of course, all the evidence presented by you points to FUBAR

 

3 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

How much field experience does she have?  Real field experience.  Not an appointed Department Head.

 

From the Daily Telegraph (well known bastion of DEI wokish opinion):

 

"(In 2021) Ms Metreweli had already spent two decades in MI6, working in operational roles in Europe and crucially the Middle East. It’s safe to assume she worked in Iraq, stationed with MI6’s smallish team on the ground in Basra, as hostile an environment as there could be in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion".

 

3 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Rank and File approval or gossiping behind closed doors saying WTF?

 

Do you have any evidence to support ... or never mind .....

[ThreeCardMonte]

13 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

 

You really are pathetic. 

She is massively experienced, including many "front line" operational roles in the middle east. She is fluent in Arabic.

You're just a loser denigrating a high achieving person just because she is a woman, it is very sad indeed, but not unexpected given the drivel you come out with all over this forum.

Your White Knight uniform should arrive in the mail today.

 

Wear it proudly.  You’ve earned it.

[Patong2021]

On 6/16/2025 at 9:19 PM, JonnyF said:

DEI appointment.

I mean, looks what Reeves, the first woman chancellor did with the economy. 

Still, it's only the country's security at stake. No biggie. Much more important to be progressive. 

 

How is is it a DEI appointment?  You obviously know nothing about her. 

She proved herself in the field as a master spook decades ago and her expertise is in middle east and China operations is much needed now. Do share with us  how you know what her qualifications are, and how her experience and past leadership roles make her a DEI appointment. perhaps you are just jealous  that she has been a success and  served her country faithfully for 20+ years.

[Patong2021]

On 6/17/2025 at 9:33 PM, impulse said:

Just to be clear, is she a dude?

 

 

She is a rather fit  47 year old woman who keeps her shape and health by strenuous exercise as befitting a woman who is classified as a master rower. She was an athlete while at Cambridge and has continued. Her photo, while posed and probably under nice  lights, does make her out to be rather pretty. She must have been quite stunning in her  20's.

 

On 6/18/2025 at 5:06 AM, mogandave said:

It is amusing how the left howls at Trump appointments for being unqualified, and then defend the appointment of an anthropology major….

 

Yes, she has a university diploma in anthropology. However, her decades of field work and in leadership roles have prepared her  for the job. You do know that she  attended additional training and education during her time in service don't you?  She proved herself in her Middle East positions. She has been at this for 20 years+ and continued to take on  difficult assignments and leadership roles.  Now do tell us why she is  unqualified for the position?  What should the qualifications be that she has missed out on. Experience, Leadership roles, Training, Focus?? She has all of that, but obviously there is something missing? Is her not having been a junkie with worm  caused brain damage, or not having  a history of domestic abuse, or not being a drunk  like some of the Trump cabinet members,  the  cause for your concern?

[mogandave]

15 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

 

She is a rather fit  47 year old woman who keeps her shape and health by strenuous exercise as befitting a woman who is classified as a master rower. She was an athlete while at Cambridge and has continued. Her photo, while posed and probably under nice  lights, does make her out to be rather pretty. She must have been quite stunning in her  20's.

 

 

Yes, she has a university diploma in anthropology. However, her decades of field work and in leadership roles have prepared her  for the job. You do know that she  attended additional training and education during her time in service don't you?  She proved herself in her Middle East positions. She has been at this for 20 years+ and continued to take on  difficult assignments and leadership roles.  Now do tell us why she is  unqualified for the position?  What should the qualifications be that she has missed out on. Experience, Leadership roles, Training, Focus?? She has all of that, but obviously there is something missing? Is her not having been a junkie with worm  caused brain damage, or not having  a history of domestic abuse, or not being a drunk  like some of the Trump cabinet members,  the  cause for your concern?

Unlike most of the ignorant regurgitaters here, you are generally able to formulate a decent argument, why resort to lying? 

 

I’m not concerned. I could really give a sh*t less who heads up M16. Briton is done.

[Patong2021]

2 minutes ago, mogandave said:

Unlike most of the ignorant regurgitaters here, you are generally able to formulate a decent argument, why resort to lying? 

 

I’m not concerned. I could really give a sh*t less who heads up M16. Briton is done.

 

where did I lie? Please tell me what is untruthful in what I wrote.

[mogandave]

9 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

 

where did I lie? Please tell me what is untruthful in what I wrote.

“..,not having  a history of domestic abuse, or not being a drunk  like some of the Trump cabinet members…”

 

, 

[Patong2021]

13 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Your White Knight uniform should arrive in the mail today.

 

Wear it proudly.  You’ve earned it.

 

You have a fixation on the use of the term white knight. Is this something you aspired to be, but failed at?

[Patong2021]

4 minutes ago, mogandave said:

“..,not having  a history of domestic abuse, or not being a drunk  like some of the Trump cabinet members…” 

 

Three of Trump's Cabinet selections have faced allegations of sexual misconduct: Matt Gaetz, Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy. Gaetz was forced to withdraw.  Hegseth has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, an allegation he denied although the two entered into a “civil confidential settlement agreement.” Kennedy has not denied  his past.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/24/trump-cabinet-alleged-sexual-abusers

 

Pete Hegseth's drinking  history is documented. 

 

 

 

 

[mogandave]

1 minute ago, Patong2021 said:

 

Three of Trump's Cabinet selections have faced allegations of sexual misconduct: Matt Gaetz, Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy. Gaetz was forced to withdraw.  Hegseth has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, an allegation he denied although the two entered into a “civil confidential settlement agreement.” Kennedy has not denied  his past.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/24/trump-cabinet-alleged-sexual-abusers

 

Pete Hegseth's drinking  history is documented. 

 

 

 

 

Allegations from the left.

 

The “sexual assault” charges against Hegseth were phony. He was a public figure a paid her off. 

 

Drinking is not illegal, and there is no evidence that Hegseth is a alcoholic. 

 

Again, that you resort to this nonsense diminishes your otherwise strong argument.