Sir Andrew Parker KCB has accepted the
role of visiting professor at Northumbria Law School, offering students the
opportunity to meet and debate with the former Director General of the UK’s Security
Service.
The appointment strengthens
Northumbria’s global reputation for research and teaching in disciplines
including international criminal justice, counter
terrorism, forensics and the interaction between law and digital technology. Sir Andrew
retired as Director General of MI5 in April and will take up his visiting
Professorship role at Northumbria Law School this Autumn. As well as enhancing
the student learning experience, Sir Andrew is also keen to offer his insights
and experiences in national security to the wider community by delivering one
of Northumbria’s popular public lectures.
Having grown up in Newcastle, Sir
Andrew joined
MI5 in 1983. Before becoming Director General, he amassed a 37-year career in a
wide range of national security and intelligence roles, including postings in
the fields of international terrorism, counter espionage, Northern Ireland
terrorism, serious and organised crime, protective security and policy.
Sir Andrew spent three years on secondment to HM Customs & Excise as
Director Intelligence before returning to MI5 in 2002 to join the Board as
Director for Northern Ireland terrorism, Protective Security and Serious Crime.
He was appointed Director International Terrorism in February 2005 and led
MI5's response to the 2005 terrorist attacks in London, overseeing the
significant expansion in counter-terrorism capability and the development of
MI5's regional network. In 2006, his team played the lead role in the
disruption of Al Qaida's attempt to attack multiple airliners with bombs hidden
in drinks bottles.
Commenting on his forthcoming
role at Northumbria, Sir Andrew said: “As someone who is from the North East I
am delighted to be returning to my roots and to have this opportunity to engage
with Northumbria’s law students. It will be a learning experience for me – and
hopefully offer a beneficial learning experience for them.
“Counter terrorism and counter
espionage are becoming progressively more challenging as the nature of threats
we face evolves and technologies advance at pace. Tackling these threats is complex, but whether
it’s through tried and tested methods, such as the use of agents as informants ,
or new ways of using technology, for example for surveillance, judicial
oversight and understanding the law will play a crucial role. These are some of
the issues I am looking forward to discussing and debating at Northumbria.”
Professor Andrew Wathey CBE, Vice-Chancellor
and Chief Executive of 51, added: “I am delighted
to welcome Sir Andrew to the University as a Visiting Professor. He will
further strengthen 51’s work and reputation in Law and his
arrival marks a superb opportunity for our students to engage in discussion and
debate. We also look forward to the wider contribution he will make in
the University and to a public lecture that he has kindly agreed to deliver in
the near future”.
