UK Prime Minister Liz Truss announces new Cabinet

After taking up the role of Prime Minister on Tuesday (6 September) Liz Truss appointed a new Cabinet. The UKIBC welcomes all new Cabinet members and we look forward to working with various members across government departments to advance the UK-India relationship.

Kemi Badenoch has been appointed Secretary of State for International Trade, succeeding Anne-Marie Trevelyan. We welcome SoS Badenoch in her new role and look forward to working with her and the fantastic team at the Department for International Trade at what is a significant juncture for greater collaboration between our countries as UK-India FTA negotiations continue at pace. We thank Ms Trevelyan for her positive contribution to the UK-India trade and investment relationship, including the launch of FTA negotiations.

James Cleverly was appointed Foreign Secretary, thus taking up PM Truss’ previous role. Mr Cleverly most recently served as Secretary of State for Education and was previously a colleague of Truss at the Foreign Office, in his role as Minister. Kwasi Kwarteng is Chancellor of the Exchequer and Suella Braverman, who is of Indian heritage, is Home Secretary. Ms Braverman’s predecessor, Priti Patel, is also of Indian heritage, thus showing a continuation of the success of the living bridge in prominent positions in the UK Government.

Therese Coffey is Health Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, Kit Malthouse is Education Secretary, Jacob Rees-Mogg is Business Secretary, Ranil Jayawardena is Environment Secretary, Michelle Donelan is Culture Secretary, and Ben Wallace retains his position as Defence Secretary.

The Cabinet reshuffle takes place at a critical moment. Our countries are currently negotiating a UK-India bilateral FTA, having undergone five rounds of intense negotiations and are continuing in earnest towards the target of an agreement by Diwali in October. The FTA is part of a wider Enhanced Trade Partnership with the ambition to double trade by 2030 and the 2030 Roadmap for future relations will see our countries partner on climate action, defence and security, healthcare, education, people, as well as trade and investment.

In her role as Foreign Secretary, and previously as Trade Secretary, Ms Truss visited India on several occasions, including most recently in March earlier this year. With huge potential for growth under the Enhanced Trade Partnership and 2030 Roadmap, it will be important that in her new role as Prime Minister, Truss, and her Cabinet, continue to build on this experience and ambition to strengthen bilateral relations.

We look forward to working with our partners across HM Government and reiterate our support to widen and deepen the UK-India relationship and be a voice for business.