UK appoints new foreign secretary

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron has been appointed Secretary of the Foreign Office.

"The Honourable David Cameron has been appointed Minister of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs," Caliber.Az reports, citing a statement issued by the office of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

He will succeed James Cleverly, who has been moved to head the Home Office.

Cameron commented on his appointment as Britain's foreign minister, saying “The Prime Minister has asked me to serve as his Foreign Secretary and I have gladly accepted.

We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard.

While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience – as Conservative Leader for eleven years and Prime Minister for six – will assist me in helping the Prime Minister to meet these vital challenges.

Britain is a truly international country. Our people live all over the world and our businesses trade in every corner of the globe. Working to help ensure stability and security on the global stage is both essential and squarely in our national interest. International security is vital for our domestic security.

Though I may have disagreed with some individual decisions, it is clear to me that Rishi Sunak is a strong and capable Prime Minister, who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time. I want to help him to deliver the security and prosperity our country needs and be part of the strongest possible team that serves the United Kingdom and that can be presented to the country when the General Election is held.

I believe in public service. That is what first motivated me to get involved in politics in the 1980s, to work in government in the 1990s, become a Member of Parliament in the 2000s and put myself forward as Party Leader and Prime Minister. 

The UK’s Foreign Office, our Diplomatic Service, our Intelligence Services and our Aid and Development capabilities are some of the finest assets of their kind anywhere in the world. I know from my time in office that they are staffed by brilliant, patriotic and hard-working people. They have been well led by James Cleverly, with whom I look forward to working in his vital new role.

It will be an honour to serve our country alongside our dedicated FCDO staff and provide the continued leadership and support that they deserve.”

Cameron was elected prime minister in 2010 at the age of 44. He became the youngest politician since 1812 to occupy the office at 10 Downing Street. Cameron had been leader of the Conservative Party since 2005. In total, he worked as the head of the government for six years - until 2016.