Female Set to Lead MI6 Amidst Concerns Over Potential Candidate's China Policies - Specifically, 'Beijing Barbara' Facing Criticism for Perceived Soft Stance towards China
In a historical shift, MI6 is all set to welcome its first female head, as the race heats up among three female contenders for the top spot, with whispers of apprehension surrounding 'Beijing Barbara'. As Sir Richard Moore prepares to step down this autumn, the candidates for the coveted position, codenamed 'C', were grilled in final interviews last week.
Two of the candidates' identities must remain under wraps due to security reasons, while the third nominee is the esteemed British Ambassador to the United Nations, Dame Barbara Woodward. Moore, who has been holding the reins since 2020, paving the way for female leadership by announcing his stance on women's equality back in 2023.
With about 3,600 personnel stationed in MI6's London headquarters at Vauxhall Cross and clandestine locations worldwide, the workforce is nearly evenly split between men and women, with an increasing number of women holding senior positions. Yet, none has managed to secure a spot on the shortlist to become 'C'. With Dame Barbara seemingly leading the charge, concerns have arisen regarding her potential closeness to China.
Dame Woodward, 63, boasts an impressive resume as the UK's most senior woman in the foreign service. Her stint in Beijing adds another layer of intrigue to her candidacy. However, criticism has been leveled at her for her perceived lack of opposition to the Chinese regime while serving as ambassador from 2015 to 2020.
The British diplomat has been called out for turning a blind eye to China's aggressive spying activities in the UK as well as her silence on the persecution of the Uighur minority Muslim population in Xinjiang. Thousands have been subjected to inhumane treatment in 're-education' camps, where reports indicate systematic abuse and torture.
In addition, Dame Woodward is said to have been indifferent to the plight of MPs who faced sanctions by China for speaking out against the Uighur Crisis. When five MPs were punished for their vocal opposition, she is said to have done nothing to support them. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith commented, "This appointment is of critical importance to our security, and any hesitancy towards China's significant threat to the UK will lead to dire consequences."
Richard Moore, currently codenamed 'C', has signaled it's time for MI6 to follow in the footsteps of MI5, which has already charted a course for women at its helm. The final decision rests with Sir Keir Starmer, based on the recommendations of an expert board, which includes David Lammy, the foreign secretary, and Jonathan Powell, the national security adviser.
- The impending change in leadership at MI6 has been a hot topic in the news, as three female candidates are in the running for the top position, commonly known as 'C'.
- In an apparent demonstration of support for women in politics, Sir Richard Moore, currently holding the reins as 'C', announced his stance on women's equality in 2023.
- The final interviews for the candidates took place last week, with two of the nominees' identities kept confidential for security reasons.
- Among the candidates is the British Ambassador to the United Nations, Dame Barbara Woodward, who is known for her strong background in diplomacy and foreign service.
- However, concerns have been raised about Dame Woodward's potential closeness to China and her perceived lack of opposition to certain policies during her ambassadorial stint from 2015 to 2020.
- Critics argue that Dame Woodward turned a blind eye to China's aggressive spying activities in the UK and her silence on the persecution of the Uighur minority Muslim population in Xinjiang.
- An added controversy is her alleged indifference towards MPs who faced sanctions by China for speaking out against the Uighur Crisis.
- In the General News and Policy & Legislation sectors, political figures like Sir Iain Duncan Smith have voiced concerns, stating that this appointment bears significant implications for the UK's security.
- The final decision on the new MI6 head, expected to influence the course of war-and-conflicts, finance, health-and-wellness, including women's health, science, and leadership, rests with Sir Keir Starmer, based on the recommendations of an expert board that includes David Lammy and Jonathan Powell.
