David Burton OBE
Biography
David Burton became Chargé d’Affaires Ad Interim to Italy and San Marino in January 2026.
He previously served as Minister and Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Rome from August 2024.
During his career David has worked on a wide range of issues including Europe, South Asia, G7/G20, international justice, human rights, counter-terrorism and communications. He has been posted to Ankara (Turkey), Colombo (covering Sri Lanka and Maldives) and The Hague (covering the Netherlands and the international courts). He was most recently Deputy Director Geopolitics in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in London.
David received an OBE for services to British foreign policy in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2018.
Originally from Glasgow, David studied law at the University of Strathclyde and did a Masters in international law at University College London.
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Chargé d'Affaires Ad Interim to Italy and San Marino
The Chargé d’Affaires represents His Majesty The King and the UK government in the country to which they are appointed. They are responsible for the direction and work of the embassy and its consulates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.
Previous roles in government
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Deputy Head of Mission, Italy and San Marino