David Lammy: Britain’s New Chief Diplomat

David Lammy, 51, son of Guyanese immigrants and raised in working-class London, has assumed the role of Britain’s chief diplomat amidst significant challenges. With a background that includes spending summers in the United States and earning a master’s degree at Harvard Law School, Lammy has strong ties to the country.

His connection to the United States runs deep, having met Barack Obama 20 years ago at a gathering of Black Harvard alumni. This year, he shared a dinner with the former U.S. president during his visit to London. Lammy actively supported Obama’s first presidential campaign by canvassing in Chicago, fostering a robust network within the Democratic Party.

In a recent essay for Foreign Affairs magazine, Lammy emphasized the importance of rebuilding ties with the European Union post-Brexit and outlined his priority of supporting Ukraine. He stressed the significance of the UK’s backing for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict, citing it as crucial for European security.

The Labour Party, to which Lammy belongs, has affirmed its unwavering commitment to NATO and pledged to increase military spending from 2.2 percent to 2.5 percent of GDP. Regarding the conflict in Gaza, the party advocates for an immediate cease-fire and the release of Israeli hostages held there.

In an interview with The New York Times, Lammy expressed his awareness of the historic significance of his position, stating, “I’ll be the first – it almost makes me emotional as I say it – the first foreign secretary who is the descendant of enslaved people.”