Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, commonly referred to as the Foreign Secretary, is one of the most senior ministers in the United Kingdom's government. As a holder of a Great Office of State, the Foreign Secretary is responsible for the leadership of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), managing the UK's international relations and diplomatic strategy.
The incumbent serves as a key member of the Cabinet, the National Security Council, and the Privy Council, reporting directly to the Prime Minister. The current holder of the office is Ed Miliband, who was appointed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham on 20 July 2026.
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Key Facts
- Current Incumbent: Ed Miliband (since 20 July 2026).
- Primary Department: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
- Official Residences: 1 Carlton Gardens (London) and Chevening (Kent).
- Key Responsibilities: Foreign policy, Commonwealth relations, and oversight of MI6 and GCHQ.
- Salary: £106,363 per annum (as of 2022).
- Appointment: Appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Responsibilities and Remit
The Foreign Secretary acts as the primary architect of the United Kingdom's foreign policy. While the role is similar to a foreign minister in other nations, it carries a broad and complex set of duties that extend beyond traditional diplomacy.
Diplomatic and International Relations
The officeholder is tasked with conducting relations with foreign states and international organisations to promote British interests globally. This includes managing the UK's relationship with the Commonwealth of Nations and overseeing British Overseas Territories.
Intelligence and Security
A critical aspect of the role is the ministerial oversight of the UK's intelligence agencies. The Foreign Secretary is responsible for the activities of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), which includes providing ministerial authorisation for specific intelligence operations.
Official Residences and Seat
The Foreign Secretary is provided with two primary residences. The official London residence is located at 1 Carlton Gardens. Additionally, the officeholder has the use of Chevening, a historic country house in Kent.
The administrative seat of the office is located on King Charles Street.
Evolution of the Office
The structure of the UK's foreign affairs leadership has evolved significantly since the 17th century to meet the changing needs of the British state.
From the Northern and Southern Departments to the Foreign Office
Originally, foreign affairs were split between the Northern and Southern Departments. In 1782, a major governmental reorganisation created the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, establishing the Foreign Office as a distinct entity from the Home Office.
Mergers and Modernization
The office has undergone two major expansions in recent decades:
- 1968: The Foreign Office merged with the Commonwealth Office to create the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
- 2020: The role expanded again to become the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, absorbing the responsibilities of the Secretary of State for International Development.
Historically, Margaret Beckett became the first woman to hold the post in 2006. In a brief period between 2023 and 2024, a Deputy Foreign Secretary position was created to represent the Foreign Secretary in the House of Commons while David Cameron served as a life peer in the House of Lords.
Summary of Office Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Title | Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs |
| Informal Title | Foreign Secretary |
| Reports To | The Prime Minister |
| Formation Date | 27 March 1782 (as Foreign Affairs); 2 September 2020 (current form) |
| First Holder | Charles James Fox (1782) |
| Diplomatic Style | His Excellency |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Foreign Secretary?
The current Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs is Ed Miliband, appointed on 20 July 2026.
What intelligence agencies does the Foreign Secretary oversee?
The Foreign Secretary is responsible for the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).
How is the Foreign Secretary appointed?
The Foreign Secretary is appointed by the Monarch, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister.
What is the difference between the current role and the one in 1968?
In 1968, the role focused on Foreign and Commonwealth affairs. Since 2020, the role has also incorporated the responsibilities of international development.
Where does the Foreign Secretary live?
The official residence is 1 Carlton Gardens in London, and they also have access to Chevening, a country house in Kent.