Unelected Foreign Secretary David Cameron endures first House of Lords grilling

05 December 2023 , 16:29

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David Cameron returned to a parliamentary Despatch Box for the first time in more than six years (Image: PA)

David Cameron appeared at a parliamentary Despatch Box for the first time in more than six years today as he answered questions as Foreign Secretary.

The former Prime Minister, 57, was grilled over topics ranging from British support for Ukraine, to visas for Russians, Brexit and human rights in Belarus. His first inquisitor, Labour peer Lord George Robertson - a former UK Defence Secretary and Secretary-General of NATO - poked fun at the ex-Tory leader’s political resurrection.

Lord Robertson said: "By his very presence in this chamber he has given a thumb up to those of us who have to go around saying, 'Do you know who I used to be?"' Smiling, Lord Cameron hit back: "I absolutely remember not only who he is but also who he used to be. He was an incredibly effective Secretary-General of NATO."

The red leather benches of the unelected Upper Chamber were packed for his debut as Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton. During his appearance, wearing a light grey suit, blue shirt and green tie, he insisted Britain will continue to provide ongoing support to Kyiv following Russia’s invasion.

Speaking at the Despatch Box during his first monthly question time in the House of Lords following his shock return to frontline politics last month, Lord Cameron pledged: "We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes." Lord Cameron cannot appear before the House of Commons because he is not an elected MP, which has fuelled concerns about democratic accountability. Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell will deputise for him in the Commons, while he will answer questions in the Upper Chamber each month.

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Lord Cameron was made a life peer last month to allow him to serve in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Cabinet after he resigned as an MP in 2016. The former Tory leader previously sat in the Commons for 15 years, including five years as Leader of the Opposition and six years as PM.

Ben Glaze