John Le Carre’s fictional spymaster George Smiley is a far better role model for agents than James Bond, whose “brash antics” and maverick behaviour give a misleading portrayal of life in the service, according to the chief of MI6.
What I will allow, is that alongside our values of courage, respect and integrity, we place a premium on creativity.”
But his endorsement of the enigmatic, calculating Smiley still represents a change of tack.
In a letter to the publication, Younger said he had learned to live with the public perception of MI6, also known as the UK Secret Intelligence Service (SIS).