David Burton OBE
Biography
David Burton has been Minister and Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Rome since 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.
Deputy Head of Mission, Italy and San Marino
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. Smaller missions may not have a Deputy Head.