n July, Prime Minister David Cameron asked Mr Shelbrooke to take up the position of Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, a role that will see him assist Foreign Office Minister, Hugo Swire MP, with a brief covering the Far East, India, Falklands, Australasia and the Commonwealth.
Entering the Foreign Office at a critical time in international politics, Alec said: “It’s a great honour to be asked to enter Government in any position, but I’m especially pleased to be returning to the Government benches as PPS in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Following the devastating Malaysia Airways crash last week, and with the on-going situation in the Middle East, the Foreign Office continues to play a vital role in protecting British interests and security around the world. I’m looking forward to supporting Ministers in what will be a very busy few months ahead”.
Earlier this year, Alec travelled to conflict-torn Ukraine as part of a delegation of British MPs in talks on energy security and peace in Europe.
Speaking in Donetsk and raising concerns over the UK’s energy dependence on Russia, Alec said: “Homeowners and businesses in my constituency are already experiencing increased energy costs as a result of high oil and gas prices globally. The UK government can do very little to bring down the crude cost of gas globally but it can work to secure stability in Ukraine and reduce the risk of gas shortages, or increased demand on non-Russian gas supplies, across Europe”.
Alec stood down from a previous Government role in the Northern Ireland Office last year to concentrate on supporting constituents in Woodlesford and Garforth with submissions to a public consultation on proposals for a High Speed Rail line in the area.
Alec will continue to hold weekly constituency advice surgeries in Rothwell, Garforth and Wetherby.