The EU probably thought it would never see David Cameron again.
But on Monday, the former U.K. prime minister stunningly vaulted back into front-line British politics, being appointed foreign secretary by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Despite Cameron’s role in instigating the Brexit referendum which caused years of friction between the EU and the U.K., at least some of the Continent’s top politicians are happy to see him back.
“Welcome back, David Cameron!” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte gushed on Monday morning, about his one-time European Council counterpart with whom he shared similar views on free trade and liberal economics.
“Congratulations on your appointment as Foreign Minister, dear David Cameron. I am looking forward to working with you guided by the close partnership between our countries — within NATO, the G7, and in the context of the EU-UK relationship which is more important than ever,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock beamed.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský also expressed his best wishes. “Congratulations to David Cameron for the appointment of Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Looking forward to further developing Czech UK relations and defending the Eastern flank together,” he said.
“Congratulations to the new Foreign Secretary David Cameron. Looking forward to working with you!” Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna chimed in.
In Sunak’s Cabinet reshuffle on Monday, he kicked out controversial Home Secretary Suella Braverman, after a row with the police over pro-Palestinian marches in London, and replaced her with ex-Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
Cameron will take over Cleverly’s previous post — one of the government’s top jobs — at a time of heightened tensions around the world, amid wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Cameron was the U.K.’s prime minister from 2010 to 2016, before resigning the day after losing the Brexit referendum to the Leave campaign.
Source : Politico