The former British Prime Minister famous for spearheading the in/out Brexit referendum, David Cameron, returned to the government cabinet Monday as foreign secretary. This came as Home Secretary Suella Braverman was ousted by current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak following her vocal criticisms of police being too soft on pro-Hamas protesters.
Braverman, a right-wing politician, published an article with the Times of London in which she called out pro-Hamas riots for being “hate marches.” Many took to social media to call for her firing after the article, unapproved by Downing Street, was shared.
However, Cameron, who is considered a moderate, comes with a controversial past as well, the Washington Post reports, as he was responsible for provoking Britains to define themselves as “Leave” or “Remain” and causing a split in the Conservative party.
The move came as a surprise to many. Cameron did not stay on as a member of Parliament after he resigned as Prime Minster, unlike his successors such as Boris Johnson. He also has remained fairly inconspicuous in politics since then.
“It’s a very odd appointment,” said Steven Fielding, an expert in British politics and professor emeritus at the University of Nottingham. “Cameron is hated by significant elements of the party, particularly hard-right Brexiteers, and with the electorate, he’s associated with austerity and all kinds of unfortunate lobbying.”
“Sunak has promoted someone who is not a threat to Sunak personally — that’s the only rational explanation,” he said.
Others, however, supported the appointment. London-based think tank Chatham House director Bronwen Maddox stated Cameron was “comfortable on the world stage and congenial in the relationships he formed” as prime minister.
“That matters, with conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine and a volatile US political climate,” she said.
However, she continued, Cameron’s accomplishments in the new role could be “outweighed by the controversial legacy he brings.”
In a statement posted to X, Cameron said, “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.
“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.”
