In a surprise move, former British Prime Minister David Cameron has been appointed foreign secretary.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appointed Cameron following the sacking of home secretary Suella Braverman. James Cleverly, who formerly served as foreign secretary, was appointed Braverman’s successor.
The reshuffle comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak seeks to shore up his authority and address the Conservative Party’s declining popularity in the polls.
Why Braverman was fired
Home Secretary Braverman drew anger for accusing police of being too lenient with pro-Palestinian protesters, accusing the police of double standards.
The government said on Monday that she left her job as part of a cabinet shuffle ahead of a general election expected next year.
Braverman, who was appointed to home secretary in October 2022, said, “it has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as home secretary”.
“I will have more to say in due course,” she added.
Sunak had come under growing pressure to remove Braverman after critics accused her of heightening tensions during weeks of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and counterprotests in the UK.
Cameron speaks on his return
Cameron, who served as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016, will take over the reins of the foreign office as the UK navigates a complex international landscape, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, tensions with China, and instability in the Middle East.
Cameron’s appointment is a calculated move by Sunak, who is hoping to tap into the former prime minister’s diplomatic experience and global stature.
However, Cameron’s past record on issues such as Brexit and his close ties to China may raise concerns among some members of the Conservative Party and the broader public.
As prime minister, Cameron presided over Britain’s controversial Brexit vote, which ultimately led to his resignation.
″We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East,” Cameron said in a statement.
Cameron’s full statement:
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.
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