Former PM Cameron Appointed U.K. Foreign Secretary After Home Secretary Braverman’s Sacking

Topline

The U.K. government saw a major shuffle at the top Monday triggered by the ouster of Home Secretary Suella Braverman—following controversial comments about the police’s treatment of pro-Palestinian protestors—and resulted in the return of former Prime Minister David Cameron to Whitehall.

Britain’s former Prime Minister, David Cameron, leaves 10, Downing Street after being appointed … [+] Foreign Secretary in a Cabinet reshuffle in London, England.

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Key Facts

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was appointed as the U.K.’s new Home Secretary following Braverman’s sacking, the British Prime Minister’s office announced.

Cameron was then revealed as Cleverly’s replacement as the country’s new Foreign Secretary.

According to the Guardian, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asked Braverman to step down—in response to her controversial op-ed about pro-Palestine protests in the country—and she accepted the request.

Braverman triggered controversy after accusing police authorities in the country of being soft on “pro-Palestinian mobs” while cracking down on “right-wing and nationalist protesters.”

Crucial Quote

In a statement on X, Cameron acknowledged the task ahead of him, saying: “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.”

Chief Critic

Cameron’s appointment was immediately criticized by the opposition Labor Party with Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy tweeting: “David Cameron was a disastrous PM. This is a last gasp act of desperation from a government devoid of talent and ideas. Amid international crisis, Sunak has chosen an unelected failure from the past who MPs cannot even hold to account.”

Key Background

Cameron’s surprise return to the British government comes seven years after he stepped down as Prime Minister after his controversial decision to hold a referendum on the U.K.’s membership in the European Union. Despite his support for the “Remain” campaign, a majority of British people voted to leave the EU, prompting his resignation. Cameron, who is not an elected member of Parliament, was appointed by Sunak’s office to the unelected House of Lords to allow him to serve in the Cabinet role.

What To Watch For

Braverman’s popularity among the hard-right wing of the U.K. Conservative party is likely to trigger some pushback against the decision to sack her. Right wing MP and former U.K. Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg criticized Braverman’s ouster saying: “Sacking Suella Braverman is a mistake. She understands what the country thinks about migration, and the concerns the country has.” According to Sky News’ Beth Rigby, the anti-immigration coalition of legislators known as the “New Conservatives” is set to meet on Monday, and a potential “leadership play” by the right-wing Braverman may be one of the items on the agenda.