Home Office appoints new head of Homeland Security

Chloe Squires, who has spent more than a decade working in national security, replaces Tom Hurd who stepped down last month.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said Ms Squires’ experience will be “invaluable” in her new role.

Ms Squires was Director of Strategy at the National Cyber Security Centre before joining the Home Office in 2019.

She has led on a range of national security issues, including areas of counter-terrorism, the domestic response to hostile State activity and implementation of the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act. Ms Squires also had responsibility for the use of national security-related immigration and disruption powers.

Ms Patel said: “The number one priority of government is to keep people safe, and Chloe’s wealth of experience working in national security will be invaluable to this mission.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with her to tackle terrorism and safeguard our country from hostile threats and I want to thank Tom for his excellent work leading Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism  since 2016.”

Ms Squires will be responsible for leading and delivering the Government’s counter-terrorism CONTEST strategy.

She will also be leading for the Home Office on online harms legislation and broader legislation, including a Counter-Espionage Bill, as well as ensuring close integration of the work on security with borders, policing, crime and identity.

Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft said: “Chloe is a fantastic addition to the top team and is absolutely the right person to lead on this critical part of the Home Office’s work. I very much look forward to continuing to work with her.”

Ms Squires said: “I’m thrilled to have been offered the role at this exciting time for the mission. I look forward to working with my brilliant colleagues across the Home Office and its partners to help deliver the Government’s vital agenda in this area.”