BBC presenter Victoria Derbyshire delivered an emotional on-air tribute to Sir Alex Younger, the former head of MI6, who passed away at the age of 62. During the conclusion of Wednesday's (June 3) episode of Newsnight, Derbyshire took a moment to honour the intelligence chief, who had been a regular contributor to the programme.
A Life of Service
Sir Alex Younger led MI6 from 2014 to 2020, capping a career in British intelligence that spanned nearly three decades. He joined the Secret Intelligence Service in 1991 and went on to become one of its most respected figures. In recent years, he frequently appeared on Newsnight to share his expertise on global affairs.
Derbyshire said: "Before we go, we wanted to pay tribute to a man we considered a friend of Newsnight: Sir Alex Younger, former head of MI6, who we learned today had died of cancer at the age of just 62. As an ex-Chief of Secret Intelligence Service, he regularly sat alongside me on this sofa, and in the middle of tumultuous world events, shared his incredible expertise and wisdom. Whatever was going on, however frightening or volatile, he always managed to make you feel slightly better about it."
Personal Reflections
Derbyshire revealed that she and Younger had discussed his illness. "He told me that just as he was looking at other horizons, cancer had come along and put a spanner in the works," she said. "Sir Alex Younger has died far, far too young. We have been lucky to know him even a little."
Viewers took to social media to express their sadness. One X user wrote: "So sorry about the news that Sir Alex Younger has died. SO enjoyed his contributions to #Newsnight. @vicderbyshire paid tribute to him last night. For me he was cool, calm, collected and insightful." Another added: "Alex will be missed on #Newsnight!"
National Tributes
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer led the political tributes, stating that Younger "led an exemplary life and career" and would be remembered for his dedication to British public life. The Prince of Wales also paid homage, saying Younger "embodied the very best of what the Secret Intelligence Service stands for – integrity, courage and an unwavering commitment to protecting this country and its people."
Newsnight is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. For support regarding cancer, visit Macmillan Cancer Support or Stand Up to Cancer.
