James Bond would have to ‘change his ways’ if he wanted to join MI6 today, spy chief declares
Secret Intelligence Service chief Alex Younger trashed the fictional character’s womanising and violence as a myth
SWASH buckling James Bond would have to “change his ways” if he wanted to join MI6 today, the spy service’s chief has declared.
Secret Intelligence Service boss Alex Younger trashed the fictional intelligence officer’s legendary womanising and violence as a myth in real life espionage.
Mr Younger - known as C – instead issued a plea for “the best of modern Britain” to sign up and spy for their country.
Giving the first public speech from within MI6’s HQ in Vauxhall Cross today, ‘C’ admitted he was “conflicted about Bond”.
Mr Younger explained: “He has created a powerful brand for MI6.
“As C – the real life version of M – there are few people who will not come to lunch if I invite them.
“To be fair, there are a few aspects of the genre that do resonate in real life; fierce dedication of the defence of Britain, for example.
“The real life ‘Q’ would want me to say that we too enjoy – and indeed need - a deep grasp of gadgetry.
“But that’s pretty much where the similarity ends.”
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He insisted: “Were Mr Bond to apply to join MI6 now, he would have to change his ways”.
Mr Younger also said it is “patently untrue” that good MI6 officers need “an Oxbridge education or a proficiency in hand to hand combat”.
Calling on new recruits to sign up from across every ethnic community, MI6 boss added: “We must attract the best of modern Britain to join us.
“If you have what it takes, then apply to join us. Do not rule yourself out.”
In his first candid comments about his own recruitment as a young spy, Mr Younger revealed he struggled with whether to take the MI6 career path, originally fearing it was “a leap into the unknown”.
He added: “There have been tough moments since, but I have never regretted my decision.
“Do not doubt for a second that a career in MI6 genuinely does present an opportunity to make a difference – I see proof of it every single day.”
