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Former MI6 chief tries to shape British politics

The headquarters of Britain's external intelligence service, MI6, whose chiefs are becoming more vocal on domestic politics

In rare public comments, the ex-chief of Britain’s external intelligence agency, MI6, also known as the Secret Intelligence Service, has warned of a “political nervous breakdown” in the UK.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, John Sawers discussed his fears in the context of Brexit and the leadership race of the Conservative party.

In barely concealed anxiety over the outcome of the Tory leadership race, Sawers predicted that the UK could end up with a prime minister who does “not have the standing that we have become used to in our top leadership”.

former head of MI6
Former MI6 boss Sir John Sawers

These comments by Sawers have been widely interpreted as a swipe at leading contender, Boris Johnson, whose larger than life character and unpredictable leadership style has spooked the Tory party establishment.

Sawers’ barely concealed attack on Johnson came on the heels of news that the former London mayor and ex-foreign secretary had had secret intelligence withheld from him during the period he presided over the foreign office. Johnson denies the reports.

Sawers’ intervention fits into a developing pattern of heavy-weight establishment figures rallying behind foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt’s leadership bid.

The latest figure to wade into the controversy is former Prime Minister John Major who told the BBC HARD talk programme that he does not think “anyone would be in any doubt” about his preference for Hunt.

Former PM John Major

In his interview with BBC Radio 4, Sawers also took a swipe at the leader of the opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, suggesting that the latter does not have the “standing” for “top leadership”.

Sawers’ attack on Corbyn comes in the wake of reports that “unidentified” senior officials are “concerned” that the Labour party leader is too “frail” to be prime minister.

The dramatic intervention by an ex-spy chief will inevitably raise concerns in Britain about the country’s steep decline following Brexit and the ensuing political chaos.

Jeremy Corbyn

It will also raise alarms about the intelligence services’ interference in politics, specifically to promote certain candidates for the role of prime minister and to try to arrest Corbyn’s momentum.


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