GCHQ OF THE NORTH
EXCLUSIVE: HUNDREDS OF JOBS ON WAY AT MANCHESTER SPY CENTRE
TOP secret spy agency GCHQ is to set up a huge new base in Manchester, the M.E.N. can reveal.
The exact location of the new listening post – which will work closely with MI5 and MI6 to combat terror threats, including online – has not been revealed, but chiefs say it will place the city ‘at the heart of the nation’s security.’
Bosses at GCHQ, the government’s intelligence, security and cyber organisation, said the move would create hundreds of new jobs when it opens next year.
The organisation’s director, Jeremy Fleming, said in the wake of the Manchester Arena attack last May, “GCHQ drew strength from the togetherness and resilience shown by all of Manchester’s communities.
“That’s how you tackle terrorism.”
The Manchester base would expand the Government Communications Headquarters’ network of UK sites.
The ultra-secretive agency’s headquarters is in Cheltenham, with offices also situated in Cornwall and Scarborough, and last year the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is part of GCHQ, opened its new headquarters near Victoria in London.
The work of GCHQ professionals is forever linked with the work of mathematicians – famously including Manchester University pioneer Alan Turing – who worked to decipher German codes during the Second World War at Bletchley Park.
After the war, the then Code and Cipher School changed its name officially to GCHQ and moved to Middlesex and later to Cheltenham.
Mr Fleming said the site would be at the ‘heart of the nation’s security’ and use cutting-edge technology and ‘technical ingenuity’ to identify and disrupt threats to the UK.
He said: “Manchester is a city full of innovation and talent. “It is also a city known for its tolerance and inclusivity, which last year was tragically attacked by someone who had neither.”
He added: “Our new facility will open up a huge new pool of highly talented, tech savvy recruits vital to our future success. It will create hundreds of high calibre jobs for people who will have a vital role in keeping this country safe.” GCHQ’s main role is to counter online and real-world threats from nation states, criminal groups, terrorists and individuals.
The move north has been welcomed by Manchester’s civic leaders.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester council, said: “This announcement will create hundreds of jobs and represents a huge vote of confidence in the talent pool of potential employees in and around Manchester. GCHQ perform a vital role helping to keep the country safe and we look forward to welcoming them to the city in 2019.”
Jobs at the new Manchester offices are due to be advertised later this year, ahead of the opening in 2019.
Manchester is a city full of innovation and talent. It is also known for its inclusivity Jeremy Fleming, GCHQ director