The name is Bond, Jane Bond: British recruiters seek female spies

More than 20,000 people have applied since MI6 began its open recruiting campaign about a year ago, in a drive that has all but replaced the famous shoulder tap used to recruit author Graham Greene and others in World War II.

MI6’s Web site encourages mothers to apply and assures women they won’t be used as “honey pots,” or seductresses. Disabled applicants are welcome. And a special search is directed at minorities who speak Mandarin, Arabic, Persian and the Afghan languages of Dari and Pashto. Could the future James Bond be a woman or a dark-skinned Urdu speaker?

“The key challenge is the terrorist threat,” MI6’s head of human resources told Associated Press in an exclusive interview, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Government agencies have to show they’re making positive efforts (to diversify) but for us, it means much more.”

“There are three strangers in the room that you need to get on your side. How do you get them to warm to you? Could you be an operational officer?” asks one of MI6’s ads, which have appeared in British newspapers, travel magazines and The Economist. Another ad shows a line of Arabic text and asks would-be applicants if they’re able to translate it in a hurry.

The drive comes as Britain prepares for the Equalities Bill, which will allow organizations to give female and ethnic minority candidates preference. Pola Uddin, the first Muslim woman in the House of Lords, told the AP it’s time Bond had a taste of affirmative action. “We need less sexism and a symbol who doesn’t always hold a martini glass,” she said. Applicants are required to be...