Britain's Secret Intelligence Service director used a rare public speech Monday to outline threats facing Britain and the need for more diversity in secret agent ranks.
MI6 chief Alex Younger, known by the code name "C'', told students at his alma mater, the University of St Andrews in Scotland, that Britain will fortify its intelligence ties to European counterparts even though Britain is leaving the European Union next year.
"The implications of the Brexit debate have been set out by ministers," Younger said in his second speech since taking the top job at Britain's international intelligence service four years ago.
"For our part as SIS, we will always work with our sister agencies to strengthen our indispensable security ties in Europe."
"If you want to make a difference and you think you might have what it takes, then the chances are that you do have what it takes, and we hope you will step forward."