Andrew Parker named as new head of MI5

YEREVAN, MARCH 28, ARMENPRESS: The new director general of the domestic security service, known as MI5, is to be the current deputy, Andrew Parker. Mr Parker will take over from the outgoing head, Sir Jonathan Evans, next month, reports Armenpress, referring to BBC.

Mr Parker led the security services' response to the 2005 London attacks.

Announcing the appointment, Home Secretary Theresa May said Mr Parker had a "wealth of experience and knowledge".

Mr Parker, 50, a keen ornithologist, has worked for MI5 for 30 years. He has worked on terrorism in the Middle East and Northern Ireland, counter espionage, and serious and organized crime.

“I am extremely proud of the extraordinary work that the men and women of MI5 do to keep the country safe in challenging circumstances.”

He oversaw an expansion in counter terrorism capability and the development of the service's regional network. In 2006, his teams played the lead role in the disruption of Al-Qaeda's attempt to attack multiple airliners with bombs hidden in drinks bottles.

He has been the deputy director general since 2007.