Read in full: David Cameron's acceptance letter after Rishi Sunak makes him Foreign Secretary in surprise appointment

13 November 2023, 10:48 | Updated: 13 November 2023, 14:20

David Cameron leaving Downing Street, London, after being appointed as Foreign Secretary
David Cameron leaving Downing Street, London, after being appointed as Foreign Secretary. Picture: Alamy

By Kit Heren

David Cameron has been appointed as Foreign Secretary in a shock move as part of Rishi Sunak's Cabinet reshuffle. Read the full acceptance letter here.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Mr Cameron, who served as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016, replaces James Cleverly, who became Home Secretary after Suella Braverman was fired.

Former Prime Ministers rarely take up Cabinet roles again in the modern political era, with just one other example since the Second World War.

Mr Cameron has criticised Mr Sunak's government in the past, but in his acceptance letter he said that the Prime Minister was a "strong and capable" leader.

Read more: David Cameron made Foreign Secretary in shock move amid Rishi Sunak's cabinet reshuffle

Follow Live: Cabinet reshuffle LIVE: Cameron appointed foreign secretary and Braverman sacked as Sunak shakes up top team

Read his letter in full below:

David Cameron leaving Downing Street
David Cameron leaving Downing Street. Picture: Alamy

"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.

Read more: How can David Cameron be made Foreign Secretary when he's not an MP?

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."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Nissan car dealership

Nissan to shut seven factories and slash 20,000 jobs globally in bid to cut costs

Sir Bradley Wiggins (left) with cyclist son Ben Wiggins

'My son feared I’d die after I became a cocaine addict', says Sir Bradley Wiggins

Marks and Spencer has kept its physical shops open

Was my data stolen in M&S cyber attack and when will it be back online?

The crash site in Hrabove, Ukraine of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine.

Russia responsible for downing MH17 flight over Ukraine, UN rules

Andy Murray (right) and Novak Djokovic who will “no longer be working together”, the Scot’s representatives have announced. Issue date: Tuesday May 13, 2025.

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic ‘will no longer be working together’ - as split announced days before French Open

French Actor Gérard Depardieu Faces Trial Over Sexual Assault Allegations

French actor Gerard Depardieu found guilty of sexually assaulting two women and handed 18 month suspended jail term

Exclusive
Ms Cooper made the remarks on LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast.

'We need action in waters, not just the coast', says Home Secretary as she slams French response to small boats

Marks and Spencer on Oxford Street in London.

M&S admits customers' personal data was stolen by hackers in cyber attack

Court hears how Sean 'Diddy' Combs forced women into 'freak offs' as sex trafficking trial begins in New York

Court hears how Sean 'Diddy' Combs forced women into 'freak offs' as sex trafficking trial begins in New York

a deadly bacteria has seen several Spar products recalled

Major supermarket urgently recalls chicken after discovering deadly bacteria

Kim Kardashian attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

Kim Kardashian to appear in court as witness in $10m 'grandpa robbers' burglary case in Paris

A man has been arrested in connection with fires at properties linked to Keir Starmer

Man arrested in connection with 'arson with intent to endanger life' after fires at sites linked to Keir Starmer

An obese child looking down

Smart scales and special clinics to help thousands of obese children lose weight

Exclusive
.

‘It’s not worth the high’: Ketamine addicts getting younger and showing more severe signs of bladder issues

ROMANIA NATO DACIA SPRING EXERCICE

Three Belgian soldiers injured in training exercise in Scotland

Peter Sullivan was jailed in 1987 but could soon walk free

Man’s murder conviction considered at Court of Appeal after 38 years in prison