James Bond remains 'POWERFUL recruitment tool’ for MI6 in THIS way, reveals expert

Licence to Kill, fast cars, gadgets and encounters with beautiful woman are all marks of the James Bond mythos. And while the real MI6 is a far cry from some aspects of Ian Fleming’s spy, the British secret service still maximises his appeal, according to an expert. Speaking at the Hay Festival, Dr Rory Cormac, associate professor of international relations with a speciality in secret intelligence at Nottingham University, revealed that 007 is still important for MI6 recruitment.

According to The Guardian, Cormac said: “They like the image it creates, as Bond is linked to British omnipotence and omniscience.

“It is a great recruitment sergeant as well – although a lot of people who want to become James Bond get weeded out very early, as they are psychopaths.”

Meanwhile, contacts overseas will greet real-life MI6 agents as though they really were 007.

He added: “When MI6 agents are trying to make contact with people in far-flung countries as part of operations, they have been known to be greeted, ‘Hello, Mr Bond!’ It helps to break the ice.”

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C added: “In fact, a strong ethical core is one of the first qualities we look for in our staff.

“It’s safe to say that James Bond wouldn’t get through our recruitment process.

“Whilst we share his qualities of patriotism, energy and tenacity, an intelligence officer in the real MI6 has a high degree of emotional intelligence, values teamwork and always has respect for the law…unlike Mr Bond!”

Bond 25 hits UK cinemas on April 3, 2020.