British ambassador leaves Abu Dhabi for new posting as UK Commonwealth envoy
The UK’s ambassador to the UAE will leave Abu Dhabi for a new posting after four years in the capital.
Philip Parham has been given the post of the UK’s Envoy to the Commonwealth, effective immediately. The move follows a summit of the 53 Commonwealth nations in April – the first since 1997.
Mr Parham has served as the British ambassador in Abu Dhabi since 2014 and was earlier the deputy permanent representative to the UN in New York.
“Crucial commitments were made at the Commonwealth Summit in April on the scourge of marine plastics, on trade, on cyber security and on the vital matter of girls’ education,” said Boris Johnson, the British Foreign Secretary.
“The appointment of Philip Parham as envoy shows the UK’s dedication to ensuring these commitments are met.
“I look forward to working with him as his team works with the member states and the Commonwealth Secretariat to deliver a fairer, more prosperous, more sustainable and more secure Commonwealth.”
The summit in April was regarded as a test for Britain’s post-Brexit ambitions for trade and partnerships with former territories such as India, Singapore and Hong Kong.
The lead-up to the forum drew attention to the Windrush scandal, as Caribbean nations told of harsh treatment by immigration officials towards people who migrated to Britain as children after the Second World War.
Days before it began, Prime Minister Theresa May apologised to 12 Caribbean states.
A replacement for Mr Parham has yet to be announced.