Alex Younger, former head of MI6, dies aged 62

Alex Younger, the former head of MI6 , has died at the age of 62 after being treated for cancer. Younger led the Secret Intelligence Service, the agency also known as MI6, between 2014 and 2020. Keir Starmer led tributes to his “utmost dedication” to protecting the country, saying on Wednesday: “I was saddened to learn of the news of the death of Sir Alex Younger. “Sir Alex Younger led an exemplary life and career, ultimately serving as chief of the Secret Intelligence Service from 2014 to 2020. “He will be remembered by the many ministers, colleagues, friends and family for his utmost dedication to British public life and protecting our nation. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.” The foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of Sir Alex Younger. His dedication, integrity and outstanding leadership as chief of MI6 kept us all safe, and the country owes him an enormous debt of gratitude. “I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and his friends at this incredibly difficult time.” Blaise Metreweli, the current chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, said: “It is with immense sadness that I am sharing the news that former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger died today after fighting cancer for some time. Alex embodied my service’s values of integrity, courage, creativity and respect. “We remember Alex’s deep commitment to public service and the security of the UK. …