THE incoming chief of Britain's secretive MI6 spy agency, Sir John Sawers, hit the headlines after his wife posted photos on Facebook that British newspapers suggested might have compromised security.
Here are some responses from prominent British figures to the media frenzy.
DAVID MILIBAND, Foreign Secretary:
"It is not a state secret that he wears Speedo swimming trunks... The fact that there's a picture that the head of MI6 goes swimming - wow, that really is exciting."
PATRICK MERCER,Conservative chairman of the counter-terrorism subcommittee of the parliamentary Home Affairs Select Committee:
"A great deal of taxpayers' money has been spent over the past several decades making sure he and his family are protected from security compromises. Well, it doesn't seem to be very relevant any more, is it?"
KEN CLARKE, Conservative MP:
"In the old days, we used to keep the name secret, all photographs were banned, and I never really believed that the Russians didn't know who the head of MI6 (was). I suspect that the enemies of this country do not wholly rely on The Mail on Sunday and Facebook for their information. So I, personally, would get a little more calm."
ED DAVEY, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman:
"This type of exposure verges on the reckless. The Prime Minister should immediately commission an internal inquiry as to whether this has breached the security of the incoming head of MI6 too seriously to allow him to take up the post."
