Margaret Tongue
Biography
Margaret took up her appointment as Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Tokyo in July 2026. She had previously been Minister-Counsellor Economic Diplomacy in Tokyo from October 2022.
Margaret has a long-standing interest in Asia and regional security, with an undergraduate degree in Chinese Studies and a Masters in International Politics of Asia. Since joining the Foreign Office in 2000 she has had a number of postings in Asia, working in Sri Lanka during the ceasefire of 2002-05, where she led on internal politics, the peace process and conflict resolution; in Taiwan, where she was Deputy Head of Mission and Director of UK Trade & Investment; China and Japan, where her focus was on Asia-Pacific regional security; and Thailand, where she was Deputy Head of Mission. She has also worked in London on South East Asia, Iran and peacekeeping.
Deputy Head of Mission to Japan
The Deputy Head of Mission is a senior diplomat and typically a key advisor to the Ambassador or High Commissioner. The Deputy is responsible for the daily management of an overseas Embassy or High Commission. They will represent the UK’s interests in the absence of the Ambassador as Chargé d’Affaires. A senior ranking Deputy may also take the title Minister.
Previous roles in government
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Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Bangkok