'Facing a daunting set of international challenges,’ says newly-appointed UK Foreign Secy Cameron

David Cameron has been appointed as the new foreign secretary.

"We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East," expressed newly-appointed Foreign Secretary of British government and former Prime Minister David Cameron on November 13 amid a major cabinet reshuffle.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak brought back former leader David Cameron as foreign minister in a reshuffle triggered by his firing of interior minister Suella Braverman in the wake of her contentious comments on the police's handling of pro-Palestinian marches in London.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Cameron pointed out, "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."

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Cameron returns to the political front line after he quit in 2016 when he failed to keep Britain in the European Union. It's rare for a former leader, and a non-lawmaker, to take a senior government post.

In his post, he also added, "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."

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…

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) November 13, 2023

Cameron also said, "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," he further noted.

David Cameron: Key facts

--A former public relations executive for a commercial television company, he became Britain's youngest leader in almost two centuries after the 2010 election when he led the nation's first coalition government since World War Two.

--A descendant of King William IV, who went to the exclusive private school Eton College and then Oxford University, he faced accusations of being out of touch as his government implemented a series of austerity measures following the global financial crisis.

--In 2013, his government legalised same-sex marriage, which Cameron backed strongly, saying at the time: "I don't support gay marriage in spite of being a Conservative. I support gay marriage because I am a Conservative."

--As prime minister, Cameron ordered military intervention in Libya, when Britain and its allies led international efforts to help oust then-leader Muammar Gaddafi in early 2011.

--In 2016, a report by British lawmakers slammed the decision as flawed for contributing to the North African country's political and economic collapse.

--Cameron agreed to hold a referendum on Scottish independence in 2014, campaigning successfully against secession as Scots voted by 55-45% to stay in the United Kingdom.

--Aiming to repeat that success, Cameron called a referendum on membership of the European Union in June 2016 to end decades-long arguing in his Conservative party on the issue. However, Britain voted for Brexit and he announced he would quit as prime minister the following day.

--In 2021, it emerged that Cameron had repeatedly contacted senior ministers in 2020 to lobby for the now-failed, supply-chain finance firm Greensill Capital, fuelling questions about the extent to which former leaders can use their status to influence government policy.

(With inputs from agencies)