Former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger dies aged 62

Sir Alex Younger, the former head of MI6, has died aged 62 after being treated for cancer. Sir Alex led MI6 between 2014 and 2020. He joined the service in 1991 and held a career in British intelligence that spanned almost three decades. A former British Army officer, he served in Europe, the Middle East, and Afghanistan before moving into commentary on global security.

Career highlights In a 2016 speech, Sir Alex said fictional spy James Bond would not pass the agency's recruitment process. He later led recruitment efforts to meet what he described as the "fourth generation espionage" needed to face evolving global threats.

Sir Alex headed counter-terrorism at MI6, including preparations for the 2012 London Olympics. In late 2014 he succeeded Sir John Sawers as head of the Secret Intelligence Service. At the time he faced challenges including monitoring Iran's nuclear ambitions and assessing Russia's moves in Ukraine.

Public statements and later work In 2016 Sir Alex described his "conflicted" attitude toward James Bond, noting the character had "created a powerful brand for MI6" but would need to change his ways to join today. The following year he revealed the real Q in the Bond films was a woman to encourage more women to join the service.

Sir Alex's term was extended one year beyond 2019 to steer the agency through Brexit. After leaving MI6 he advised the private sector and commented on security issues. In February 2023 he told the BBC the UK needed to "wake up" to security threats posed by China.

In December 2024 he told the BBC the world was living through a "much more dangerous time" than previous decades.

Starmer said Sir Alex "led an exemplary life and career" and would be remembered for his "utmost dedication to British public life and protecting our nation." Former prime minister Theresa May posted on X that she was "Deeply saddened by the death of Sir Alex Younger - an extraordinary man and dedicated public servant." Blaise Metreweli, the current chief of MI6, said Sir Alex "embodied my service's values of integrity, courage, creativity and respect" and made a "lasting and distinctive contribution to our country and indeed to global security." BBC Radio 4 Today presenter Nick Robinson wrote on X that Sir Alex had nicknamed his tumour "Putin" and said he was "desperately sad to hear the news I've long feared was coming."