MI6 aims to attract more diverse spies with first ever cinema advert

MI6 has created its first-ever cinema advert aimed at attracting more women and ethnic minorities into the secret service. 

The spying agency is looking to show potential candidates the unexpected attributes that could help them become successful secret agents. 

Despite being hugely oversubscribed for the 100 roles it advertises every year, the agency is concerned that it does not receive applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds. 

The video shows a flower-seller showing the skills the heads of the agency are looking for in new recruits. 

She averts a potential argument after a woman spills coffee on a man, gives free flowers to another man who is struggling to pay, and helps a woman who is struggling to finish a running race.

The agency says it wants recruits with mental sharpness, emotional intelligence, integrity and in interest in foreign affairs.

MI6 chief Alex Younger said earlier this week that the agency was looking to bring back the famous "tap on the shoulder" ahead of planned expansion. 

Mr Younger, also known as C, said he was concerned that potentially good candidates were "self-selecting" themselves out of contention by not applying because they were put off by stereotypes about secret agents

"That was the way I was recruited. We have to go to people that would not have thought of being recruited to MI6. We have to make a conscious effort. We need to reflect the society we live in," he told the Guardian. 

MI6 is expected to grow from 2,500 people to close to 3,500 by 2020.

 Mr Younger said: "I want everyone to know that, regardless of background, if you have the skills we need and share our values, there is a future for you in MI6.

"I want people to see our advert and know that there is a place for them in our team."

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