UK: David Cameron is new foreign secretary
What's the story
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, has been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs in the UK.
This comes after a major reshuffle in the Cabinet by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The surprising developments began with Suella Braverman being sacked as home secretary on Monday (local time), after days of political pressure on Sunak.
Twitter Post
Announcement about Cameron's return on X
He’s back 🔥
— Conservatives (@Conservatives) November 13, 2023
Congratulations @David_Cameron 👏 pic.twitter.com/daOUcAWsUL
Order
King approves Cameron's appointment
Announcing Cameron's appointment, the PM's office said, "The King has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Rt Hon David Cameron as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs."
The King has also conferred "the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life" upon him.
Cameron will replace James Cleverly, who was promoted as home secretary after Braverman's removal.
David Cameron
UK facing 'daunting' international challenges': Cameron on Ukraine, Gaza wars
Soon after his appointment, Cameron cited the wars in Ukraine and Gaza as a "daunting set of international challenges" facing the UK.
"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," he said in a post on X.
Braverman
Why was Braverman sacked
Sunak fired Suella Braverman as home secretary after she accused Metropolitan Police chiefs of a "double standard" in their handling of pro-Palestine protests.
She claimed right-wing protesters were "rightly met with a stern response," while "pro-Palestinian mobs" were "largely ignored."
Sunak was under pressure to fire Braverman after critics accused her of fueling tensions in Britain during weeks of controversial pro-Palestinian marches and counter-protests.
About
Who is David Cameron
Cameron served as Leader of the Opposition from 2005 to 2010 and was MP for Witney from 2001 to 2016.
He also served as the prime minister of the UK from 2010 to 2016.
However, he resigned from the top post in 2016 after the controversy over a referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union (EU).
History
15th ex-premier of UK to return to government
According to The Independent, Cameron became the 15th former premier of the UK to return to serve under a different leader.
At least 14 ex-premiers have previously returned to serve in a different government since the 18th century.
Prominent among them is Neville Chamberlain, who went on to serve as Lord President of the Council in Sir Winston Churchill's Cabinet during World War 2.