Harriett Baldwin MP has been appointed Minister of State for Africa for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development
Harriett Baldwin MP has been appointed Minister of State for Africa for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development.
The MP for West Worcestershire, Baldwin was appointed to her latest role following a cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Theresa May on January 9, 2018.
She has previously served as Assistant Government Whip, Lord Commissioner, Economic Secretary to the Treasury (City Minister), and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence.
Her responsibilities as Minister of State for Africa include foreign relations with Africa, consular policy, Foreign and Commonwealth Office representative for cross-Whitehall funds, international crime and stabilisation.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) promotes the United Kingdom’s interests overseas and is supported by 10 agencies and public bodies.
The Department for International Development (DFID) is a ministerial department that works to end extreme poverty, tackling the challenges of disease, conflict and mass migration.
Speaking following her appointment, Baldwin said: “I am honoured to have been appointed and look forward to representing Global Britain with African nations to tackle a range of opportunities and challenges in Africa.
“The UK has longstanding and important relationships, and I will work for an even stronger partnership with African nations, finding new ways to fight poverty, minimise threats and build mutual prosperity.
“Eighteen African countries are part of the Commonwealth, so a priority for the upcoming Commonwealth Summit will be looking at how we meet the ambitions of the next generation, including creating the jobs and economic growth so crucial for a modern Africa.”