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.
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.
As 2022 draws to a close please spare a thought for all the amazing bus drivers who will be moving people around the towns and city’s tonight to celebrate the new year They r unsung heroes! Thank u to everyone involved in delivering our bus operations.#HappyNewYear#ThankYou
When stagecoach are too lazy to paint the roof of their buses into the new livery and you get this cursed thing. At least I can see the green beachball livery, which is my favourite livery
Most Londoners use the bus, and sometimes it can be a frustrating experience. But it's not the bus's fault - together we can all help #FreeTheBus Watch the full film here: bit.ly/Free-the-busLTW
Following positive discussion, I'm very pleased to be announcing that buses will be free of charge across West Berkshire on the next two Saturdays, replacing free parking offered by the Council in previous years, to support local retailers #ClimateEmergency
This is geeky. I’m about to mention it. Buses without hub caps not a good look. Annoys me makes the bus look tatty. Props to Tower Transit and Stagecoach for looking after their buses - all hub capped. Next time you look at a bus you’ll notice the difference.
Great British Railways. Must mean being put on the rail replacement coach to Warminster, for connection to Bristol, then on arriving, finding the train - and the following one - are cancelled due to lack of staff. Next train, two and a half hours time. And there’s no toilets.