The Latest Breaking News from MI6

Dame Barbara Woodward’s critics say she was reluctant to criticise Beijing while ambassador between 2015 and 2020

Steven Soderbergh's latest is a steamy look at the perils and pleasures of being a spy in love.

THE INDEPENDENT VIEW: Editorial: The former head of MI6 warns that Europe must meet the challenge of the new rules set by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin

Former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger told The Independent’s Sam Kiley that Vladimir Putin lacks rationality unless in a “permanent state of antagonism,” offering Russia only “security.” This remark comes just months after the third anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

‘We can’t sit back and watch’: Former MI6 boss says Britain must get ready for war as Putin threatens Europe

Exclusive: As a Russia-Ukrainian ceasefire looks no closer, Sir Alex Younger tells The Independent how the UK is too detached from the threat posed by Putin – and that our ‘collective effort’ needs to change

THE INDEPENDENT DEBATE: Have your say: As former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger warns Britain must revive national service to face global threats, the debate over military readiness intensifies

THE CONVERSATION: The panel, chaired by world affairs editor Sam Kiley, will feature Alex Younger, former MI6 chief, and Rachel Ellehuus, director-general of RUSI, discussing global security, US foreign policy under Trump, and the future of Ukraine and Nato

The actress, known for playing Polly in The King’s Man, will be leading the five-part series, Secret Service, as an MI6 officer.