Andy Burnham Appoints Hamish Falconer as European Relations Minister

Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed Hamish Falconer as the minister for European relations, notifying the Member of Parliament for Lincoln of the promotion while Falconer was on his honeymoon in Greece. Falconer, a former Foreign Office diplomat, is one of three members of the 2024 parliamentary intake to enter the cabinet, alongside chief whip Anneliese Midgley.

In his new capacity, Falconer will lead negotiations with the European Union for the next joint summit. He intends to increase the speed and ambition of deepening ties to address energy issues and the cost of living. Falconer plans to apply the Makerfield test to foreign policy to ensure international relations provide tangible benefits to local businesses and constituents.

Prior to this appointment, Falconer served as Middle East minister, where he became the first person in that role to recognize the Palestinian state.