Prime Minister appoints Mr David Quarrey CMG as the UK’s new Permanent Representative to NATO

The Prime Minister is today appointing a top diplomat to be the UK’s Permanent Representative to NATO – a clear demonstration of the organisation’s crucial global role.

The United Kingdom’s joint delegation to this vital Alliance will now be led by Mr David Quarrey CMG, currently the Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser and Deputy National Security Adviser.

Mr Quarrey’s appointment is a clear sign of how the UK values its membership of NATO, an organisation whose thirty Allies come together every day to ensure the security of Europe and North America.

The Prime Minister approved the successful candidate on the recommendation from the Foreign Secretary.

Mr Quarrey is one of the UK’s most experienced senior diplomats. Before his current role he served as UK Ambassador to Israel, Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO), and Director for Foreign Policy in the National Security Secretariat in the Cabinet Office.

He also completed postings in India and Zimbabwe, and at the UK’s Permanent Representation to the United Nations in New York.

He takes over from Dame Sarah MacIntosh DCMG, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Dame Sarah successfully led the UK delegation at NATO through a crucial period for the Alliance which saw significant increases in Allies’ defence investment, the 70th anniversary summit in London and most recently the deployment of UK troops to the eastern flank as part of NATO’s unified response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said:

NATO is vital for European and global security. We will work to strengthen the alliance in the face of Russian aggression.

I am pleased to appoint David who is an experienced diplomat and will lead the UK’s efforts working with our NATO Allies. I congratulate him on his appointment.

David Quarrey CMG said:

I am honoured to take up the position of UK Permanent Representative to NATO. I look forward to leading the excellent joint FCDO and MOD team as we work with our Allies to keep our country and citizens safe.

Mr Quarrey will take up his appointment during April 2022.