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{{Английская Википедия/Панель перехода}}
{{Short description|Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom since 2023}}
{{other people}}
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{{Use British English|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_prefix = [[The Right Honourable]]
| name             = The Lord Cameron of Chipping&nbsp;Norton
| honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|PC}}
| image            = David Cameron Official Portrait 2023 (cropped).jpg
| alt              = Official portrait of Cameron as Foreign Secretary
| caption          = Official portrait, 2023
| office           = [[Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs]]
| primeminister    = [[Rishi Sunak]]
| term_start       = 13 November 2023
| term_end         = 
| predecessor      = [[James Cleverly]]
| successor        = 
| office1          = [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]]
| monarch1         = [[Elizabeth II]]
| 2blankname1      = {{nowrap|[[First Secretary of State|First Secretary]]}}
| 2namedata1       = {{ubl|[[William Hague]]|[[George Osborne]]}}
| deputy1          = [[Nick Clegg]] {{nowrap|(2010–2015)}}
| term_start1      = 11 May 2010
| term_end1        = 13 July 2016
| predecessor1     = [[Gordon Brown]]
| successor1       = [[Theresa May]]
| office2          = [[Leader of the Opposition (United Kingdom)|Leader of the Opposition]]
| monarch2         = Elizabeth II
| primeminister2   = {{ubl|[[Tony Blair]]|Gordon Brown}}
| deputy2          = William Hague
| term_start2      = 6 December 2005
| term_end2        = 11 May 2010
| predecessor2     = [[Michael Howard]]
| successor2       = [[Harriet Harman]]
| office3          = [[Leader of the Conservative Party (UK)|Leader of the Conservative Party]]
| term_start3      = 6 December 2005
| term_end3        = 11 July 2016
| predecessor3     = Michael Howard
| successor3       = Theresa May
{{Collapsed infobox section begin |cont = yes |Shadow <!--Cabinet--> portfolios {{nobold|2003{{nbnd}}2005}}
| titlestyle       = border:1px dashed lightgrey;}}{{Infobox officeholder
| embed            = yes
| title1           = [[Shadow Secretary of State]]
| subterm1         = 2005
| suboffice1       = [[Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Skills|Education and Skills]]
| title2           = [[Shadow Minister]]
| subterm2         = 2003
| suboffice2       = [[Privy Council Office (United Kingdom)|Privy Council Office]]
| subterm3         = 2004
| suboffice3       = {{longitem|[[Communities and Local Government|{{br entries|Communities and|Local Government}}]]}}
| subterm4         = 2004–2005
| suboffice4       = {{longitem|[[Conservative Policy Review Coordinator|{{br entries|Conservative Policy|Review Coordinator}}]]}}
{{Collapsed infobox section end}} }}
{{Collapsed infobox section begin |cont = yes |Parliamentary offices
| titlestyle       = border:1px dashed lightgrey;}}{{Infobox officeholder
| embed            = yes
| office1          = [[Member of the House of Lords]]
| status1          = [[Lord Temporal]]
| term_label1      = [[Life peer]]age
| term_start1      = 17 November 2023
| term_end1        = ''present''
| parliament2      = United Kingdom
| constituency_MP2 = [[Witney (UK Parliament constituency)|Witney]]
| term_start2      = 7 June 2001
| term_end2        = 12 September 2016
| predecessor2     = [[Shaun Woodward]]
| successor2       = [[Robert Courts]]{{Collapsed infobox section end}} }}
| birth_name       = David William Donald Cameron
| birth_date       = {{birth date and age|1966|10|9|df=yes}}
| birth_place      = [[Marylebone]], London, England
| party            = [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]]
| spouse           = {{marriage|[[Samantha Sheffield]]|1 June 1996}}
| children         = 4
| relatives        = [[Cameron family]]
| education        = {{ubl|[[Eton College]]|[[Brasenose College, Oxford]] ([[Master of Arts (Oxford, Cambridge, and Dublin)|MA]])}}
| signature        = Accession Treaty 2011 David Cameron signature.svg
| website          = {{official website}}
| module           = {{listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=David Cameron's first speech as prime minister.ogg|title=David Cameron's voice|type=speech|description=Cameron's first speech as prime minister<br/>Recorded 11 May 2010}}
}}
{{David Cameron sidebar}}
'''David William Donald Cameron, Baron Cameron of Chipping Norton''', {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|sep=,|PC}} (born 9 October 1966){{noexcerpt|,}} is a British politician who has served as [[Foreign Secretary]] since 2023. He previously served as [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]] from 2010 to 2016, as [[Leader of the Conservative Party (UK)|Leader of the Conservative Party]] from 2005 to 2016, and as [[Leader of the Opposition (United Kingdom)|Leader of the Opposition]] from 2005 to 2010, while serving as [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for [[Witney (UK Parliament constituency)|Witney]] from 2001 to 2016. He identifies as a [[one-nation conservative]] and has been associated with both [[economically liberal]] and [[socially liberal]] policies.

<!--Early life and early political career-->
Born in London to an upper-middle-class family, Cameron was educated at [[Heatherdown School]], then [[Eton College]], before going up to [[Brasenose College, Oxford]]. From 1988 to 1993 he worked at the [[Conservative Research Department]], latterly assisting the Conservative prime minister [[John Major]], before leaving politics to work for [[Carlton Communications]] in 1994. Becoming an MP in 2001, he served in the opposition [[Shadow Cabinet of Michael Howard|Shadow Cabinet]] under Conservative leader [[Michael Howard]], and [[2005 Conservative Party leadership election|succeeded Howard in 2005]]. Cameron sought to rebrand the Conservatives, embracing an increasingly socially liberal position and introducing the "[[Conservative A-List|A-List]]" to increase the number of female and [[minority ethnic]] Conservative MPs.

Following the [[2010 United Kingdom general election|2010 general election]], [[2010 United Kingdom government formation|negotiations led to Cameron becoming prime minister]] as the head of [[Cameron–Clegg coalition|a coalition government]] with the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]].<ref name="Telegraph11May2009YoungestPM"/><ref name="bbc51490893">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51490893 |title=Rishi Sunak: The wealthy millennial who rocketed to power |access-date=25 October 2022 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=25 October 2022 |archive-date=13 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213142047/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51490893 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Premiership of David Cameron|His premiership]] was marked by the ongoing effects of the [[global financial crisis]]; these involved a large deficit in government finances that his government sought to reduce through [[United Kingdom government austerity programme|austerity measures]]. His administration passed the [[Health and Social Care Act 2012|Health and Social Care Act]] and the [[Welfare Reform Act 2012|Welfare Reform Act]], which introduced large-scale changes to [[Healthcare in England|healthcare]] and [[Welfare state in the United Kingdom|welfare]]. It also enforced [[Home Office hostile environment policy|stricter immigration policies]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-sticks-to-his-guns-on-immigration-reduction-pledge-even-while-numbers-rise-9420749.html |title=David Cameron sticks to his guns on immigration reduction pledge even while numbers rise |last=Morris |first=Nigel |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |publisher=Independent Print Ltd. |location=London |date=22 May 2014 |access-date=5 July 2014 |archive-date=25 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825233824/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-sticks-to-his-guns-on-immigration-reduction-pledge-even-while-numbers-rise-9420749.html |url-status=live }}</ref> introduced [[Michael Gove's tenure as Education Secretary|reforms to education]] and oversaw the [[2012 London Olympics]]. Cameron's administration also privatised [[Royal Mail]] and some other state assets, and legalised [[same-sex marriage in England and Wales]].

<!--Later premiership-->
Internationally, [[Operation Ellamy|Cameron's government intervened militarily]] in the [[First Libyan Civil War]] and authorised the bombing of the [[Islamic State]]. Domestically, his government oversaw the [[2011 United Kingdom Alternative Vote referendum|referendum on voting reform]] and [[Scottish independence referendum]], both of which confirmed Cameron's favoured outcome. When the Conservatives secured an unexpected majority in the [[2015 United Kingdom general election|2015 general election]], he remained as prime minister, this time leading [[Second Cameron ministry|a Conservative-only government]]. To fulfil a manifesto pledge, Cameron introduced [[2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum|a referendum]] on the [[United Kingdom membership of the European Union|UK's continuing membership of the European Union]] in 2016. He supported the [[Britain Stronger in Europe]] campaign for the UK to remain in the EU. Following the success of [[Vote Leave|the Leave vote]],<ref name="bbc36615028">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36615028 |title=EU referendum: UK votes to leave in historic referendum |access-date=24 June 2016 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=24 June 2016 |archive-date=24 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724232549/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36615028 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron resigned as prime minister and was succeeded in the [[2016 Conservative Party leadership election]] by [[Theresa May]], his home secretary.<ref name="bbc36615028"/><ref name="The Guardian 2016-06-24">{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Heather |last2=Mason |first2=Rowena |last3=Syal |first3=Rajeev |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/24/david-cameron-resigns-after-uk-votes-to-leave-european-union |title=David Cameron resigns after UK votes to leave European Union |work=[[The Guardian]] |location=London |date=24 June 2016 |quote=PM announces resignation following victory for leave supporters after divisive referendum campaign |access-date=11 December 2016 |archive-date=10 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310080607/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/24/david-cameron-resigns-after-uk-votes-to-leave-european-union |url-status=live }}</ref>

<!--Post-premiership positions-->
After his premiership, [[2016 Witney by-election|Cameron gave up his seat]] and served as the president of [[Alzheimer's Research UK]] from 2017 to 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=David Cameron: I saw a world of darkness getting bigger and bigger |url=https://amp.ft.com/content/7e16fd9e-d673-11e7-8c9a-d9c0a5c8d5c9 |website=Financial Times |date=December 2017 |access-date=15 October 2021 |archive-date=24 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024171154/https://amp.ft.com/content/7e16fd9e-d673-11e7-8c9a-d9c0a5c8d5c9 |url-status=live }}</ref> During the [[November 2023 British cabinet reshuffle|November 2023 cabinet reshuffle]], Conservative prime minister [[Rishi Sunak]] appointed Cameron foreign secretary and recommended him for a [[life peer]]age. Cameron is the first former prime minister to be appointed to a ministerial post since [[Alec Douglas-Home]] in 1970.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gibbons |first=Amy |title=Cabinet reshuffle live: David Cameron named Foreign Secretary in sensational political return |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/11/13/rishi-sunak-latest-news-suella-braverman-cabinet-reshuffle/ |website=The Telegraph |date=13 November 2023 |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=6 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106202456/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/11/13/rishi-sunak-latest-news-suella-braverman-cabinet-reshuffle/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

<!--Reception, legacy, and influence-->
Cameron has been credited for helping to modernise the Conservative Party and for reducing the United Kingdom's inherited national deficit as prime minister. However, he was subject to a level of criticism for the 2016 manifesto commitment<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 UK EU membership referendum |url=https://navigator.health.org.uk/theme/2016-uk-eu-membership-referendum |access-date=21 November 2023 |website=Policy Navigator |language=en |archive-date=21 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121211536/https://navigator.health.org.uk/theme/2016-uk-eu-membership-referendum |url-status=live }}</ref> to implement the referendum on the UK's continued membership of the EU and his vocal support for remain, which ultimately led to his resignation as prime minister. This led to [[Timeline of Brexit|a sustained period of political instability]] for the rest of the decade.<ref name="ns12sep">{{cite news |last=Skidelsky |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Skidelsky |title=Cameron's great fault was mental idleness and today's crisis is a direct consequence of his carelessness |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/09/cameron-s-great-fault-was-mental-idleness-and-today-s-crisis-direct-consequence |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=[[New Statesman]] |date=12 September 2019 |archive-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212040534/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/09/cameron-s-great-fault-was-mental-idleness-and-today-s-crisis-direct-consequence |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite news |last1=Kershaw |first1=Ian |last2=Seldon |first2=Anthony |last3=Todd |first3=Selina |last4=Adi |first4=Hakim |last5=Gardiner |first5=Juliet |last6=Bogdanor |first6=Vernon |title=David Cameron's legacy: the historians' verdict |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jul/15/david-camerons-legacy-the-historians-verdict |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=[[The Guardian]] |location=London |date=15 July 2016 |archive-date=9 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809004406/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jul/15/david-camerons-legacy-the-historians-verdict |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Norman |first=Matthew |title=What made Cameron the worst Prime Minister in living history |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/david-cameron-step-down-mp-worst-prime-minister-in-living-history-legacy-theresa-may-tony-blair-a7248326.html |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=[[The Independent]] |publisher=Independent Print Ltd. |location=London |date=13 September 2016 |archive-date=4 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104160728/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/david-cameron-step-down-mp-worst-prime-minister-in-living-history-legacy-theresa-may-tony-blair-a7248326.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After leaving office, he was implicated in the [[Greensill scandal]] after lobbying government ministers and civil servants on behalf of [[Greensill Capital]]. In [[historical rankings of prime ministers of the United Kingdom]], academics and journalists have ranked Cameron in the fourth and third quintiles, respectively.
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==Early life and career==
===Early family life===
{{See also|Family of David Cameron}}
David William Donald Cameron was born on 9 October 1966 at [[The London Clinic]] in [[Marylebone]], London,<ref name=":5">"England and Wales Birth Registration Index, 1837–2008," database, ''FamilySearch''(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVW7-QGCZ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329222233/https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVW7-QGCZ |date=29 March 2016 }} : accessed 21 April 2016), David William D Cameron, 1966; from "England & Wales Births, 1837–2006," database, ''findmypast''(http://www.findmypast.com {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910063526/https://www.findmypast.com/ |date=10 September 2019 }} : 2012); citing Birth Registration, St. Marylebone, London, England, citing General Register Office, Southport, England.</ref> and raised at [[Peasemore]] in Berkshire.<ref name="Rise">{{cite book |last1=Elliott |first1=Francis |last2=Hanning |first2=James |title=Cameron: the Rise of the New Conservative |publisher=Harper Perennial |location=London |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-00-724367-9}}</ref> He has two sisters and an elder brother, [[Alexander Cameron (barrister)|Alexander Cameron]] [[King's Counsel|KC]] (1963–2023), a [[barrister]], who died of cancer.<ref name="BBC News Cameron Story">{{cite news |last=Wheeler |first=Brian |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4502656.stm |title=The David Cameron Story |work=BBC News |date=6 December 2005 |access-date=27 March 2007 |archive-date=24 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824194237/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4502656.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="aacameron">{{Who's Who |title=CAMERON, Alexander Allan |id=U44044 |volume=2014 |edition=online [[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref> He is the younger son of Ian Donald Cameron (1932–2010) a stockbroker, and his wife Mary Fleur, a retired [[Justice of the Peace]] and a daughter of [[Sir William Mount, 2nd Baronet]].<ref>''Debrett's Peerage 2011'', p. B 714.</ref> Cameron is a descendant of King [[William IV]] through one of the king's illegitimate children.<ref name=":4"/><ref name=":5"/>

Cameron's father, Ian, was born at [[Blairmore House]] near [[Huntly]], Aberdeenshire, and died near [[Toulon]], France, on 8 September 2010;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://beehive.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=SiteHome&ID=2311&PageID=55325 |title=David Cameron and Slains Castle |website=The North Scotland Beehive |publisher=Aberdeen Civic Society |location=Aberdeen |date=2 March 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070817233045/http://beehive.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=SiteHome&ID=2311&PageID=55325 |archive-date= 17 August 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Blairmore was built by Cameron's great-great-grandfather, Alexander Geddes,<ref name="Geddes marriage">{{cite news |newspaper=The Times |url=http://find.galegroup.com/ttda/newspaperRetrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=DateAscend&tabID=T003&prodId=TTDA&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchId=R1&searchType=BasicSearchForm&currentPosition=2&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3ALQE%3D%28da%2CNone%2C10%2907%2F24%2F1905%24&retrieveFormat=MULTIPAGE_DOCUMENT&userGroupName=wes_ttda&inPS=true&contentSet=LTO&&docId=&docLevel=FASCIMILE&workId=&relevancePageBatch=CS17101048&contentSet=UDVIN&callistoContentSet=UDVIN&docPage=article |title=Marriages |date=24 July 1905 |location=London |access-date=22 March 2013 |page=1 |archive-date=10 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510180712/http://find.galegroup.com/ttda/newspaperRetrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=DateAscend&tabID=T003&prodId=TTDA&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchId=R1&searchType=BasicSearchForm&currentPosition=2&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3ALQE%3D%28da%2CNone%2C10%2907%2F24%2F1905%24&retrieveFormat=MULTIPAGE_DOCUMENT&userGroupName=wes_ttda&inPS=true&contentSet=LTO&&docId=&docLevel=FASCIMILE&workId=&relevancePageBatch=CS17101048&contentSet=UDVIN&callistoContentSet=UDVIN&docPage=article |url-status=live }}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref name="Family Fortune">{{cite news |last1=Howker |first1=Ed |last2=Malik |first2=Shiv |title=David Cameron's family fortune: the Jersey, Panama and Geneva connection |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/apr/20/david-cameron-jersey-panama-geneva |access-date=14 August 2016 |work=The Guardian |date=20 April 2012 |archive-date=25 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225101944/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/apr/20/david-cameron-jersey-panama-geneva |url-status=live }}</ref> who had made a fortune in the [[Commodity market#History|grain trade]] in Chicago, Illinois, before returning to Scotland in the 1880s.<ref name="Highlands">{{cite news |first=Ross |last=Clark |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/core/Content/displayPrintable.jhtml?xml=/property/2002/01/26/pblair26.xml&site=16&page=0|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209140019/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/core/Content/displayPrintable.jhtml?xml=/property/2002/01/26/pblair26.xml&site=16&page=0|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 December 2012 |title=Highlands for the high life |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |location=London |date=26 January 2002|access-date=4 September 2007}}</ref> Blairmore was sold soon after Ian's birth.<ref name="Family Fortune"/>

Cameron has said: "On my mother's side of the family, her mother was a Llewellyn, so [[Welsh people|Welsh]]. I'm a real mixture of [[Scottish people|Scottish]], Welsh and English."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/1572058/David-Cameron-flies-the-flag-for-Britain.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/1572058/David-Cameron-flies-the-flag-for-Britain.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=David Cameron flies the flag for Britain |last1=Martin |first1=Iain |last2=Porter |first2=Andrew |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=10 December 2007 |access-date=10 October 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He has also referenced the [[German Jewish]] ancestry of one of his great-grandfathers, Arthur Levita, a descendant of the [[Yiddish]] author [[Elia Levita]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://conservative-speeches.sayit.mysociety.org/speech/601339 |title=David Cameron: Jewish Care |website=SayIt |access-date=11 November 2015 |archive-date=9 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309020003/http://conservative-speeches.sayit.mysociety.org/speech/601339 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/10692563/David-Cameron-tells-Israelis-about-his-Jewish-ancestors.html |title=David Cameron tells Israelis about his Jewish ancestors |last=Holehouse |first=Matthew |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=12 March 2014 |access-date=10 October 2019 |archive-date=26 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026170210/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/10692563/David-Cameron-tells-Israelis-about-his-Jewish-ancestors.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Education===
Cameron was educated at two [[Private schools in the United Kingdom|private schools]]. From the age of seven, he was taught at [[Heatherdown School]] in [[Winkfield]], Berkshire. The school counts [[Prince Andrew]] and [[Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex|Prince Edward]] among its old boys. Owing to good grades, he entered its top academic class almost two years early.<ref>{{cite news |last=Blake |first=Heidi |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/david-cameron/7325369/Heatherdown-Prep-the-exclusive-school-that-taught-David-Cameron-his-ambition.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100302145232/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/david-cameron/7325369/Heatherdown-Prep-the-exclusive-school-that-taught-David-Cameron-his-ambition.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 2 March 2010 |title=Cameron at Heatherdown School |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=27 February 2010 |access-date=20 June 2010}}</ref> At the age of 13, he went on to [[Eton College]] in Berkshire, following his father and elder brother.<ref name="Brother">{{cite book |first1=Francis |last1=Elliott |first2=James |last2=Hanning |date=2007 |title=Cameron: The Rise of the New Conservative |publisher=Fourth Estate |location=London |page=26 |isbn=978-0-00-724366-2}}</ref> His early interest was in art. Six weeks before taking his [[O-Level]]s, he was caught smoking [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]].<ref name=beeb>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/ps/sites/roughguide/hall_of_fame/pages/david_cameron.shtml |title=Hall of Fame, David Cameron |website=BBC Wales |access-date=7 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100510170722/http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/ps/sites/roughguide/hall_of_fame/pages/david_cameron.shtml |archive-date=10 May 2010}}</ref> He admitted the offence and had not been involved in selling drugs, so he was not expelled; instead he was fined, prevented from leaving the school grounds and given a "[[Georgic]]" (a punishment that involved copying 500 lines of [[Latin]] text).<ref name="Cannabis punishment">Elliott and Hanning, p. 32.</ref>

Cameron passed twelve O-Levels and then three [[A-level]]s: [[History of art]]; History, in which he was taught by [[Michael Kidson]]; and Economics with Politics. He obtained three 'A' grades and a '1' grade in the [[Scholarship Level]] exam in Economics and Politics.<ref name="A levels">Elliott and Hanning, pp. 45–46.</ref> The following autumn, he passed the entrance exam for the [[University of Oxford]], and was offered an [[Exhibition (scholarship)|exhibition]] at [[Brasenose College]].<ref name="Oxford entrance">Elliott and Hanning, p. 46.</ref>
[[File:Oxford Brasenose College.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.81|[[Brasenose College, Oxford]]]]
After leaving Eton in 1984,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8753662/David-Cameron-Eton-College-should-run-a-state-school.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8753662/David-Cameron-Eton-College-should-run-a-state-school.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=David Cameron: Eton College should run a state school |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=9 September 2009 |access-date=19 March 2012 |first=Graeme |last=Paton}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Cameron started a nine-month [[gap year]]. For three months, he worked as a researcher for his godfather [[Tim Rathbone]], then Conservative MP for [[Lewes (UK Parliament constituency)|Lewes]], during which time he attended debates in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]].<ref name="Tim Rathbone">Elliott and Hanning, pp. 46–47.</ref> Through his father, he was then employed for a further three months in Hong Kong by [[Jardine Matheson]] as a 'ship jumper', an administrative post.<ref name="Jardines">Elliott and Hanning, pp. 47–48.</ref>

Returning from Hong Kong, Cameron visited the then-[[Soviet Union]], where he was approached by two Russian men speaking fluent English. He was later told by one of his professors that it was "definitely an attempt" by the [[KGB]] to recruit him.<ref name="KGB">{{cite news |title=Cameron: KGB tried to recruit me |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5021166.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |date=28 May 2006 |access-date=6 November 2006 |archive-date=28 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070128011055/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5021166.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October 1985, Cameron began his Bachelor of Arts course in [[Philosophy, Politics and Economics]] (PPE) at Brasenose College, Oxford.<ref name="Brasenose College website">[http://www.bnc.ox.ac.uk/288/about-brasenose-31/news-152/brasenose-alumnus-becomes-prime-minister-815.html "Brasenose alumnus becomes Prime Minister"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022150220/http://www.bnc.ox.ac.uk/288/about-brasenose-31/news-152/brasenose-alumnus-becomes-prime-minister-815.html |date=22 October 2013}}. Brasenose College. No date. Retrieved 2 January 2012.</ref> His tutor, [[Vernon Bogdanor]], has described him as "one of the ablest" students he has taught,<ref name="Sunday Times">{{cite news |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/biography/article1545297.ece |title=Too good to be true? |newspaper=The Sunday Times |location=London |date=25 March 2007 |access-date=29 March 2007}}</ref> with "moderate and sensible Conservative" [[political views]].<ref name="BBC News Cameron Story"/>

[[Guy Spier]], who shared tutorials with him, remembers him as an outstanding student: "We were doing our best to grasp basic economic concepts. David—there was nobody else who came even close. He would be integrating them with the way the British political system is put together. He could have lectured me on it, and I would have sat there and taken notes."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1840461,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912043848/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1840461,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 September 2008 |title=David Cameron: UK's Next Leader? |magazine=Time |date=11 September 2008 |access-date=2 November 2011 |location=New York |first=Catherine |last=Mayer}}</ref> When commenting in 2006 on his former pupil's ideas about a "Bill of Rights" to replace the [[Human Rights Act 1998|Human Rights Act]], however, Bogdanor, himself a [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]], said: "I think he is very confused. I've read his speech and it's filled with contradictions. There are one or two good things in it but one glimpses them, as it were, through a mist of misunderstanding".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2006/jul/01/comment.politics |title=Professor Vernon Bogdanor on David Cameron |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=1 July 2006 |page=31 |access-date=25 November 2012 |location=London |first=Stuart |last=Jeffries |archive-date=21 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521173116/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2006/jul/01/comment.politics |url-status=live }}</ref>

While at Oxford, Cameron was a member of the [[Bullingdon Club]], an exclusive all male student dining society with a reputation for an outlandish drinking culture associated with boisterous behaviour and damaging property.<ref name="clubmembership">{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-young-cameron-wined-and-dined-with-the-right-sort-qbm5vn82hk7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080211134900/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2012918,00.html |title=How young Cameron wined and dined with the right sort|archive-date=11 February 2008|url-status=live |date=28 January 2006 |first=Patrick |last=Foster |website=[[Times Online]] |url-access=subscription}}</ref> In his 2019 memoir, Cameron wrote about being a member of the Bullingdon and its impact on his political career, saying: "When I look now at the [[1987 Bullingdon Club photograph|much-reproduced photograph]] taken of our group of appallingly over-self-confident 'sons of privilege', I cringe. If I had known at the time the grief I would get for that picture, of course I would never have joined. But life isn't like that..." and: "These were also the years after the ITV adaptation of ''[[Brideshead Revisited]]'' when quite a few of us were carried away by the fantasy of an [[Evelyn Waugh]]-like Oxford existence."<ref>{{cite web |title=Bullingdon Club: behind Oxford University's elite society |url=https://www.theweek.co.uk/65410/bullingdon-club-the-secrets-of-oxford-universitys-elite-society |website=theweek.co.uk |access-date=15 October 2022 |date=16 September 2019 |archive-date=1 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601115841/https://www.theweek.co.uk/65410/bullingdon-club-the-secrets-of-oxford-universitys-elite-society |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron's period in the Bullingdon Club was examined in a 2009 [[Channel 4]] docu-drama, ''[[When Boris Met Dave]]'', the title referring to [[Boris Johnson]], another high-profile Conservative party figure, the then-mayor of London, who had been a member at the same time, and who would go on to be prime minister himself.

Cameron graduated in 1988 with a [[first-class honours]] BA degree (later promoted to an [[Master of Arts (Oxbridge and Dublin)|MA]] by seniority).<ref name=feud>{{dead link|date=July 2016}} {{cite news |url=http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2011/03/30/origins-of-the-cameron-balls-feud/ |title=Origins of the Cameron-Balls Feud |last=Rentoul |first=John |work=[[The Independent]] |date=30 March 2011 |access-date=4 April 2011 |location=London |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630013226/http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2011/03/30/origins-of-the-cameron-balls-feud/ |archive-date=30 June 2009}}</ref>

===Early political career===

====Conservative Research Department====
After graduation, Cameron worked for the [[Conservative Research Department]] between September 1988 and 1993. His first brief was Trade and Industry, Energy and Privatisation; he befriended fellow young colleagues, including [[Edward Llewellyn (Conservative adviser)|Edward Llewellyn]], [[Ed Vaizey]] and [[Rachel Whetstone]]. They and others formed a group they called the "[[Smith Square]] set", which was dubbed the "Brat Pack" by the press, though it is better known as the "[[Notting Hill set]]", a name given to it pejoratively by [[Derek Conway]].{{sfn|Snowdon|2010|p=9}} In 1991, Cameron was seconded to [[Downing Street]] to work on briefing [[John Major]] for the then twice-weekly sessions of [[Prime Minister's Questions]]. One newspaper gave Cameron the credit for "sharper&nbsp;... [[Despatch box]] performances" by Major,<ref name="Major PMQs">"Atticus", ''The Sunday Times'', 30 June 1991</ref> which included highlighting for Major "a dreadful piece of [[doublespeak]]" by [[Tony Blair]] (then the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] Employment spokesman) over the effect of a national [[minimum wage]].<ref name="Blair minimum wage">[https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199091/cmhansrd/1991-06-27/Orals-2.html "House of Commons 6th series, vol. 193, cols. 1133–34"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120041152/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199091/cmhansrd/1991-06-27/Orals-2.html |date=20 November 2017 }}, ''Hansard''. Retrieved 4 September 2007.</ref> He became head of the political section of the Conservative Research Department, and in August 1991 was tipped to follow [[Judith Chaplin]] as political secretary to the prime minister.<ref name="CRD">"Diary", ''The Times'', 14 August 1991.</ref>

However, Cameron lost to [[Jonathan Hill, Baron Hill of Oareford|Jonathan Hill]], who was appointed in March 1992. Instead, Cameron was given the responsibility for briefing Major for his press conferences during the [[1992 United Kingdom general election|1992 general election]].<ref name="1992 election">Wood, Nicholas (13 March 1992). "New aide for Prime Minister". ''The Times'' (London).</ref> During the campaign, Cameron was one of the young "brat pack" of party strategists who worked between 12 and 20 hours a day, sleeping in the house of [[Alan Duncan]] in [[Smith Square|Gayfere Street]], [[Westminster]], which had been Major's campaign headquarters during his bid for the Conservative leadership.<ref name="1992 campaign">"Sleep little babies". ''The Times'' (London). 20 March 1992.</ref> Cameron headed the economic section; it was while working on this campaign that Cameron first worked closely with and befriended [[Steve Hilton]], who was later to become Director of Strategy during his party leadership.<ref name="Meets Hilton">Wood, Nicholas (23 March 1992). "Strain starts to show on Major's round the clock 'brat pack{{'"}}. ''The Times'' (London).</ref> The strain of getting up at 04:45 every day was reported to have led Cameron to decide to leave politics in favour of journalism.<ref name="Journalism">"Campaign fall-out". ''The Times''. 30 March 1992.</ref>

====Special Adviser to the Chancellor====
The Conservatives' unexpected success in the 1992 election led Cameron to hit back at older party members who had criticised him and his colleagues, saying "whatever people say about us, we got the campaign right", and that they had listened to their campaign workers on the ground rather than the newspapers. He revealed he had led other members of the team across Smith Square to jeer at [[Transport House]], the former Labour headquarters.<ref name="1992 post mortem">Pierce, Andrew (11 March 1992). "We got it right, say Patten's brat pack". ''The Sunday Times'' (London).</ref> Cameron was rewarded with a promotion to [[Special advisers (UK government)|Special Adviser]] to the [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]], [[Norman Lamont]].<ref name="Lamont's Spad">"Brats on the move". ''The Times'' (London). 14 April 1992.</ref>

Cameron was working for Lamont at the time of [[Black Wednesday]], when pressure from currency speculators forced the [[pound sterling]] out of the [[European Exchange Rate Mechanism]]. At the 1992 Conservative Party conference, Cameron had difficulty trying to arrange to brief the speakers in the economic debate, having to resort to putting messages on the internal television system imploring the mover of the motion, [[Patricia Morris, Baroness Morris of Bolton|Patricia Morris]], to contact him.<ref name="1992 conference">"Diary", ''The Times'', 8 October 1992.</ref> Later that month, Cameron joined a delegation of Special Advisers who visited Germany to build better relations with the [[Christian Democratic Union of Germany|Christian Democratic Union]]; he was reported to be "still smarting" over the [[Bundesbank]]'s contribution to the economic crisis.<ref name="Germany visit">"Peace-mongers". ''The Times'' (London). 20 October 1992.</ref>

Lamont fell out with John Major after Black Wednesday and became highly unpopular with the public. Taxes needed to be raised in the 1993 Budget, and Cameron fed the options Lamont was considering through to [[Conservative Campaign Headquarters]] for their political acceptability to be assessed.<ref name="1993 budget">Hencke, David (8 February 1993). "Treasury tax review eyes fuel and children's clothes". ''The Guardian'' (London).</ref> By May 1993, the Conservatives' average poll rating dropped below 30%, where they would remain until the [[1997 United Kingdom general election|1997 general election]].{{sfn|Snowdon|2010|p=24}} Major and Lamont's personal ratings also declined dramatically. Lamont's unpopularity did not necessarily affect Cameron, who was considered as a potential "[[kamikaze]]" candidate for the [[1993 Newbury by-election|Newbury by-election]], which includes the area where he grew up.<ref name="Newbury">White, Michael; Wintour, Patrick (26 February 1993). "Points of Order". ''The Guardian'' (London).</ref> However, Cameron decided not to stand.

During the by-election, Lamont gave the response "[[Je ne regrette rien]]" to a question about whether he most regretted claiming to see "the green shoots of recovery" or admitting to "singing in his bath" with happiness at leaving the European Exchange Rate Mechanism. Cameron was identified by one journalist as having inspired this gaffe; it was speculated that the heavy Conservative defeat in Newbury may have cost Cameron his chance of becoming chancellor himself, even though as he was not a member of Parliament he could not have been.<ref name="Piaf">"Careless talk". ''The Times'' (London). 10 May 1993.</ref> Lamont was sacked at the end of May 1993, and decided not to write the usual letter of resignation; Cameron was given the responsibility to issue to the press a statement of self-justification.<ref name="Lamont sacked">Smith, David; Prescott, Michael (30 May 1993). "Norman Lamont: the final days" (Focus). ''The Sunday Times'' (London).</ref>

====Special Adviser to the Home Secretary====
[[File:HomeOffice QueenAnnesGate.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[102 Petty France|Home Office building]] where Cameron worked during the 1990s]]
After Lamont was sacked, Cameron remained at the [[HM Treasury|Treasury]] for less than a month before being specifically recruited by [[Home Secretary]] [[Michael Howard]]. It was commented that he was still "very much in favour"<ref name="Howard's Spad">"No score flaw". ''The Times'' (London). 22 June 1993.</ref> and it was later reported that many at the Treasury would have preferred Cameron to carry on.<ref name="Clarke profile">Grigg, John (2 October 1993). "Primed Minister". ''The Times'' (London).</ref> At the beginning of September 1993, Cameron applied to go on Conservative Central Office's list of [[prospective parliamentary candidate]]s (PPCs).<ref name="Candidates list">"Newbury's finest". ''The Times'' (London). 6 September 1993.</ref>

Cameron was much more socially liberal than Howard but enjoyed working for him.{{sfn|Snowdon|2010|p=24}} According to [[Derek Lewis (prison governor)|Derek Lewis]], then Director-General of [[Her Majesty's Prison Service]], Cameron showed him a "his and her list" of proposals made by Howard and his wife, [[Sandra Howard|Sandra]]. Lewis said that Sandra Howard's list included reducing the quality of [[prison food]], although she denied this claim. Lewis reported that Cameron was "uncomfortable" about the list.<ref name="Prison food">Leigh, David (23 February 1997). "Mrs Howard's own recipe for prison reform". ''The Observer'' (London).</ref> In defending Sandra Howard and insisting that she made no such proposal, the journalist [[Bruce Anderson (columnist)|Bruce Anderson]] wrote that Cameron had proposed a much shorter definition on prison catering which revolved around the phrase "balanced diet", and that Lewis had written thanking Cameron for a valuable contribution.<ref name="Anderson">Anderson, Bruce (1 March 1997). "Derek Lewis: Big job, little man, inaccurate book". ''The Spectator'' (London).</ref>

During his work for Howard, Cameron often briefed the media. In March 1994, someone leaked to the press that the Labour Party had called for a meeting with John Major to discuss a consensus on the [[Prevention of Terrorism Acts|Prevention of Terrorism Act]]. After an inquiry failed to find the source of the leak, Labour MP [[Peter Mandelson]] demanded assurance from Howard that Cameron had not been responsible, which Howard gave.<ref name="Leak">[[Wintour, Patrick]] (10 March 1994). "Smith fumes at untraced leak". ''The Guardian'' (London).</ref><ref>[https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199394/cmhansrd/1994-03-09/Debate-1.html "6th Series, vol. 239 col. 292"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120031031/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199394/cmhansrd/1994-03-09/Debate-1.html |date=20 November 2017 }}, ''Hansard'', 9 March 1994. Retrieved 4 September 2007.</ref> A senior [[Home Office]] civil servant noted the influence of Howard's Special Advisers, saying previous incumbents "would listen to the evidence before making a decision. Howard just talks to young public school gentlemen from the party headquarters."<ref>{{cite news |last=Cohen |first=Nick |title=Inside Story: Heading for trouble: Michael Howard's strategy on crime faces opposition from police, judges and the prison service |newspaper=The Independent on Sunday |date=20 February 1994 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/inside-story-heading-for-trouble-michael-howards-strategy-on-crime-faces-opposition-from-police-judges-and-the-prison-service-nick-cohen-reports-1395359.html |access-date=22 April 2010 |location=London |archive-date=1 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901075528/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/inside-story-heading-for-trouble-michael-howards-strategy-on-crime-faces-opposition-from-police-judges-and-the-prison-service-nick-cohen-reports-1395359.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Carlton====
In July 1994, Cameron left his role as Special Adviser to work as the Director of Corporate Affairs at [[Carlton Communications]].<ref name="Carlton job">"Smallweed". ''The Guardian'' (London). 16 July 1994.</ref> Carlton, which had won the [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] franchise for London weekdays in 1991, was a growing media company which also had film-distribution and video-producing arms. Cameron was suggested for the role to Carlton executive chairman [[Michael P. Green]] by his later mother-in-law Lady Astor.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=James |last2=Teather |first2=David |title=Cameron&nbsp;– the PR years |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/feb/20/david-cameron-the-pr-years |access-date=4 November 2013 |date=20 February 2010 |archive-date=11 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511000719/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/feb/20/david-cameron-the-pr-years |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron left Carlton to run for Parliament in 1997, returning to his job after his defeat.

In 1997, Cameron played up the company's prospects for [[digital terrestrial television]], for which it joined with [[ITV Granada]] and [[Sky (United Kingdom)|Sky]] to form [[British Digital Broadcasting]]. In a roundtable discussion on the future of broadcasting in 1998, he criticised the effect of overlapping different regulators on the industry.<ref name="Regulatory overlap">"We can't wait any longer to map the digital mediascape". ''[[New Statesman]]'' (London). 3 April 1998.</ref> Carlton's consortium did win the digital terrestrial franchise, but the resulting company suffered difficulties in attracting subscribers. Cameron resigned as Director of Corporate Affairs in February 2001 to run for Parliament for a second time, although he remained on the payroll as a consultant.

====Parliamentary candidacies====
[[File:Stafford town centre.jpg|thumb|right|[[Stafford (UK Parliament constituency)|Stafford]], the constituency Cameron contested at the 1997 General Election]]
Having been approved for the PPCs' list, Cameron began looking for a seat to contest for the [[1997 United Kingdom general election|1997 general election]]. He was reported to have missed out on selection for [[Ashford (UK Parliament constituency)|Ashford]] in December 1994, after failing to get to the selection meeting as a result of train delays.<ref name="Ashford">"Pendennis". ''The Observer'' (London). 1 January 1995.</ref> In January 1996, when two shortlisted contenders dropped out, Cameron was interviewed and subsequently selected for [[Stafford (UK Parliament constituency)|Stafford]], a constituency revised in boundary changes, which was projected to have a Conservative majority.{{sfn|Snowdon|2010|p=24}}<ref name="Stafford candidate">{{cite news |author-link=Michael White (journalist) |last=White |first=Michael |title=Seat-seeking missiles |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=9 March 1996}}</ref> The incumbent Conservative MP, [[Bill Cash]], ran instead in the neighbouring constituency of [[Stone (UK Parliament constituency)|Stone]], where he was re-elected. At the 1996 Conservative Party Conference, Cameron called for [[tax cut]]s in the forthcoming Budget to be targeted at the low-paid and to "small businesses where people took money out of their own pockets to put into companies to keep them going".<ref name="Conference 1996">Sherman, Jill (11 October 1996). "Clarke challenged to show gains of economic recovery". ''The Times'' (London).</ref> He also said the Party "should be proud of the Tory tax record but that people needed reminding of its achievements&nbsp;... It's time to return to our tax-cutting agenda. The socialist prime ministers of Europe have endorsed Tony Blair because they want a federal pussy cat and not a British lion."<ref>[https://archive.today/20120717210551/http://open.bbc.co.uk/catalogue/infax/programme/ANCC839F_E "Conservative Party Conference 1996"]. BBC Archive. 10 October 1996</ref>

When writing his election address, Cameron made his own opposition to British membership of the [[single European currency]] clear, pledging not to support it. This was a break with official Conservative policy, but about 200 other candidates were making similar declarations.<ref name="Single currency 1997">Travis, Alan (17 April 1997). "Rebels' seven-year march". ''The Guardian'' (London).</ref> Otherwise, Cameron kept closely to the national [[Party line (politics)|party line]]. He also campaigned using the claim that a Labour government would increase the cost of a pint of beer by 24p; however, the Labour candidate, [[David Kidney]], portrayed Cameron as "a right-wing Tory". Initially, Cameron thought he had a 50/50 chance, but as the campaign wore on and the scale of the impending Conservative defeat grew, Cameron prepared himself for defeat.{{sfn|Snowdon|2010|p=3}} On election day, Stafford had a [[swing (politics)|swing]] of 10.7%, almost the same as the national swing, which made it one of the many seats to fall to Labour: Kidney defeated Cameron by 24,606 votes (47.5%) to 20,292 (39.2%), a majority of 4,314 (8.3%).<ref name="1997 election">Elliott and Hanning (2007), pp.&nbsp;172–5.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/election97/constituencies/533.htm |title=Stafford 1997 election result |publisher=BBC |access-date=4 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970429084317/http://www.bbc.co.uk/election97/constituencies/533.htm |archive-date=29 April 1997 |year=1997}}</ref>

In the round of selection contests taking place in the run-up to the [[2001 United Kingdom general election|2001 general election]], Cameron again attempted to be selected for a winnable seat. He tried for the [[1999 Kensington and Chelsea by-election|Kensington and Chelsea]] seat after the death of [[Alan Clark]], but did not make the shortlist. He was in the final two but narrowly lost at [[Wealden (UK Parliament constituency)|Wealden]] in March 2000,<ref name="Wealden">White, Michael (14 March 2000). "Rightwingers and locals preferred for safe Tory seats". ''The Guardian'' (London).</ref> a loss ascribed by Samantha Cameron to his lack of spontaneity when speaking.<ref name="Spontaneity">Elliott and Hanning (2007), p. 193.</ref>

On 4 April 2000, Cameron was selected as PPC for [[Witney (UK Parliament constituency)|Witney]] in Oxfordshire. This had been a safe Conservative seat, but its sitting MP [[Shaun Woodward]] (who had worked with Cameron on the 1992 election campaign) had "crossed the floor" to join the Labour Party, and was selected instead for the safe Labour seat of [[St Helens South (UK Parliament constituency)|St Helens South]]. Cameron's biographers Francis Elliott and James Hanning describe the two men as being "on fairly friendly terms".<ref name=autogenerated1>Elliott and Hanning (2007), p. 192.</ref> Cameron, advised in his strategy by friend [[Catherine Fall]], put a great deal of effort into "nursing" his potential constituency, turning up at social functions and attacking Woodward for changing his mind on [[fox hunting]] to support a ban.<ref name="Woodward hunting">"Why Shaun Woodward changed his mind" (Letter). ''The Daily Telegraph''. 21 December 2000.</ref>

During the election campaign, Cameron accepted the offer of writing a regular column for ''[[The Guardian]]''{{'}}s online section.<ref name="Guardian column">[https://www.theguardian.com/politics/series/davidcamerondiaries "The Cameron diaries"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511000549/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/series/davidcamerondiaries |date=11 May 2017 }} (archive). ''The Guardian'' (London).</ref> He won the seat with a 1.9% swing to the Conservatives, taking 22,153 votes (45%) to Labour candidate Michael Bartlet's 14,180 (28.8%), a majority of 7,973 (16.2%).<ref name="2001 election result">''Dod's Guide to the General Election June 2001''. (Vacher Dod Publishing, 2001). p. 430.</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/vote2001/results_constituencies/constituencies/637.stm "Vote 2001: Results & Constituencies: Witney"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603025819/http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/vote2001/results_constituencies/constituencies/637.stm |date=3 June 2016 }}. BBC. 2001. Retrieved 4 September 2007.</ref>

==Pre-premiership (2001–2010)==
===Member of Parliament, 2001–2005===
Upon his election to Parliament, he served as a member of the Commons [[Home Affairs Select Committee]], a prominent appointment for a newly elected MP. Cameron proposed that the Committee launch an inquiry into the law on drugs,<ref name="Drugs inquiry">Elliott, Francis; Hanning, James (2007). ''Cameron: The Rise of the New Conservative''. London: Fourth Estate. p. 200. {{ISBN|978-0-00-724366-2}}</ref> and urged the consideration of "radical options".<ref name="Radical options">[https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200102/cmselect/cmhaff/318/1103008.htm "Examination of Witnesses: question 123"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929225021/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200102/cmselect/cmhaff/318/1103008.htm |date=29 September 2023 }}, ''Hansard'', 30 October 2001. Retrieved 4 September 2007.</ref> The report recommended a downgrading of [[MDMA|ecstasy]] from Class A to Class B, as well as moves towards a policy of '[[harm reduction]]', which Cameron defended.<ref name="Inject reality">"Let's inject reality into the drugs war", ''Edinburgh Evening News'', 22 May 2002</ref>

Cameron endorsed [[Iain Duncan Smith]] in the [[2001 Conservative Party leadership election]] and organised an event in Witney for party supporters to hear [[John Bercow]] speaking for him.<ref>{{Cite book |title=For the Record |last=Cameron |first=David |publisher=William Collins |year=2019 |isbn=978-0-008-23928-2 |location=United Kingdom |pages=57}}</ref> Two days before Duncan Smith won the leadership contest on 13 September 2001, the [[9/11 attacks]] occurred. Cameron described Tony Blair's response to the attacks as "masterful", saying: "He moved fast, and set the agenda both at home and abroad. He correctly identified the problem of [[Islamist extremism]], the inadequacy of our response both domestically and internationally, and supported—quite rightly in my view—the action to [[United States invasion of Afghanistan|remove the Taliban regime from Afghanistan]]."<ref>{{Cite book |title=For the Record |last=Cameron |first=David |publisher=William Collins |year=2019 |isbn=978-0-008-23928-2 |location=United Kingdom |pages=58}}</ref>

Cameron determinedly attempted to increase his public visibility, offering quotations on matters of public controversy. He opposed the payment of compensation to Gurbux Singh, who had resigned as head of the [[Commission for Racial Equality]] after a confrontation with the police;<ref name="Gurbux Singh">Johnston, Philip; Barrow, Becky (8 August 2002). "£129,000 for race chief in drunken fracas". ''The Daily Telegraph'' (London).</ref> and commented that the Home Affairs Select Committee had taken a long time to discuss whether the phrase "black market" should be used.<ref name="Black market">"They said what?". ''The Observer'' (London). 30 June 2002.</ref> However, he was passed over for a front-bench promotion in July 2002; Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith did invite Cameron and his ally [[George Osborne]] to coach him on Prime Minister's Questions in November 2002. The next week, Cameron deliberately abstained in a vote on allowing same-sex and unmarried couples to adopt children jointly, against a whip to oppose; his abstention was noted.<ref name="Adoption vote">"Rebels and non-voters". ''The Times'' (London). 6 November 2002.</ref> The wide scale of abstentions and rebellious votes destabilised the Duncan Smith leadership.

In June 2003, Cameron was appointed a [[Official Opposition Shadow Cabinet (United Kingdom)|shadow minister]] in the [[Privy Council Office (United Kingdom)|Privy Council Office]] as a deputy to [[Eric Forth]], then [[Shadow Leader of the House of Commons|shadow leader of the House]]. He also became a vice-[[chairman of the Conservative Party]] when Michael Howard took over the leadership in November of that year. He was appointed Opposition frontbench local government spokesman in 2004, before being promoted to the [[Shadow Cabinet of Michael Howard|Shadow Cabinet]] that June as head of policy co-ordination. Later, he became shadow education secretary in the post-election reshuffle.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4651553.stm "Contender: David Cameron"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061127105455/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4651553.stm |date=27 November 2006 }}. BBC News. 29 September 2005. Retrieved 6 November 2006.</ref>

[[Daniel Finkelstein]] has said of the period leading up to Cameron's election as leader of the Conservative party that "a small group of us (myself, David Cameron, George Osborne, [[Michael Gove]], [[Nick Boles]], [[Nick Herbert]] I think, once or twice) used to meet up in the offices of [[Policy Exchange]], eat pizza, and consider the future of the Conservative Party".<ref>{{cite news |last=Finkelstein |first=Daniel |url=http://timesonline.typepad.com/comment/2010/02/the-departure-of-james-purnell-is-a-disaster-for-the-centre-left-because-he-really-matterd--before-the-2005-general-electio.html |title=Why Purnell mattered |work=Comment Central (The Times blog) |location=London |date=19 February 2010 |access-date=13 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326042015/http://timesonline.typepad.com/comment/2010/02/the-departure-of-james-purnell-is-a-disaster-for-the-centre-left-because-he-really-matterd--before-the-2005-general-electio.html |archive-date=26 March 2010}}</ref> Cameron's relationship with Osborne is regarded as particularly close; Conservative MP [[Nadhim Zahawi]] suggested the closeness of Osborne's relationship with Cameron meant the two effectively shared power during Cameron's time as prime minister.<ref name="reinvention">{{cite news |last=Parker |first=George |title=The reinvention of George Osborne |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/d1d65690-c2ae-11e4-a59c-00144feab7de.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210221243/https://www.ft.com/content/d1d65690-c2ae-11e4-a59c-00144feab7de |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=28 March 2015 |work=Financial Times |date=6 March 2015 }}</ref>

From February 2002 to August 2005, he was a [[non-executive director]] of Urbium PLC, operator of the [[Tiger Tiger (nightclub)|Tiger Tiger]] bar chain.<ref name="Drinks industry">Branigan, Tania; White, Michael (18 November 2005). [http://politics.guardian.co.uk/toryleader/story/0,,1645441,00.html "Cameron defends drinks industry links&nbsp;– and tells Paxman where he's going wrong"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115183641/http://politics.guardian.co.uk/toryleader/story/0,,1645441,00.html |date=15 January 2008 }}. ''The Guardian'' (London). Retrieved 20 December 2006.</ref>

===Conservative Party leadership===
[[File:CameronNewcastle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.09|David Cameron campaigning in the 2006 local elections at [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] on the [[Gateshead Millennium Bridge]]]]

====2005 leadership election====
{{Main|2005 Conservative Party (UK) leadership election}}
Following the Labour victory in the [[2005 United Kingdom general election|May 2005 general election]], Michael Howard announced his resignation as leader of the Conservative Party and set a lengthy timetable for the [[2005 Conservative Party (UK) leadership election|leadership election]]. Cameron announced on 29 September 2005 that he would be a candidate. Parliamentary colleagues supporting him included Boris Johnson, shadow chancellor George Osborne, shadow defence secretary and deputy leader of the party [[Michael Ancram]], [[Oliver Letwin]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4304664.stm |title=Tory leadership: Who backed who? |website=[[BBC News]] |date=17 October 2005 |access-date=25 November 2006 |archive-date=15 December 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051215075053/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4304664.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and former party leader [[William Hague]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4432120.stm |title=Hague backs Cameron as new leader |website=[[BBC News]] |date=12 November 2005 |access-date=25 November 2006 |archive-date=9 December 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051209011746/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4432120.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> His campaign did not gain wide support until his speech, delivered without notes, at the 2005 Conservative [[party conference]]. In the speech, he vowed to make people "feel good about being Conservatives again" and said he wanted "to switch on a whole new generation."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4306540.stm|title=Cameron targets 'new generation{{'"}}|website=[[BBC News]]|date=4 October 2005|access-date=6 November 2006|archive-date=21 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061221234402/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4306540.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> His speech was well-received; ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' said speaking without notes "showed a sureness and a confidence that is greatly to his credit".<ref>{{cite news |title=David Cameron stakes his claim |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |location=London, England |date=5 October 2005}}</ref>

In the first ballot of Conservative MPs on 18 October 2005, Cameron came second, with 56 votes, slightly more than expected; [[David Davis (British politician)|David Davis]] had fewer than predicted at 62 votes; [[Liam Fox]] came third with 42 votes; and [[Kenneth Clarke]] was eliminated with 38 votes. In the second ballot on 20 October 2005, Cameron came first with 90 votes; David Davis was second, with 57; and Liam Fox was eliminated with 51 votes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4360662.stm |title=Cameron and Davis top Tory poll |website=[[BBC News]] |date=20 October 2005 |access-date=6 November 2006 |archive-date=15 December 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061215183539/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4360662.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> All 198 Conservative MPs voted in both ballots.

The next stage of the election process, between Davis and Cameron, was a vote open to the entire party membership. Cameron was elected with more than twice as many votes as Davis and more than half of all ballots issued; Cameron won 134,446 votes on a 78% [[Voter turnout|turnout]], to Davis's 64,398.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4502652.stm |title=Cameron chosen as new Tory leader |website=[[BBC News]] |date=6 December 2005 |access-date=25 November 2006 |archive-date=2 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302224203/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4502652.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Although Davis had initially been the favourite, it was widely acknowledged that his candidacy was marred by a disappointing conference speech.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/1504895/Old-challenger-loses-out-to-young-pretender.html |title=Old challenger loses out to young pretender |first1=George |last1=Jones |first2=Brendan |last2=Carlin |date=7 December 2005 |access-date=8 May 2019 |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |archive-date=8 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508094213/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/1504895/Old-challenger-loses-out-to-young-pretender.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron's election as the leader of the Conservative Party and [[Leader of the Opposition (United Kingdom)|leader of the opposition]] was announced on 6 December 2005. As is customary for an opposition leader not already a member, upon election Cameron became a member of the [[Privy Council of the United Kingdom|Privy Council]], being formally approved to join on 14 December 2005, and sworn of the council on 8 March 2006.<ref name="10 Downing Street">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080109024206/http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page8762.asp |title=Privy Council Appointment of David Cameron MP |publisher=10 Downing Street |date=14 December 2005 |archive-date=9 January 2008 |url=http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page8762.asp}}</ref>

====Reaction to Cameron as Leader====
[[File:David Cameron interview and photo shoot at Oxfam HQ, Oxford, 29 June, 2006.jpg|left|thumb|Cameron being interviewed at the headquarters of [[Oxfam]] in 2006]]
Cameron's relative youth and inexperience before becoming leader invited satirical comparison with Tony Blair. ''[[Private Eye]]'' soon published a picture of both leaders on its front cover, with the caption "World's first face transplant a success".<ref>Roshan Lall, Rashmee (16 December 2005).[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1334944.cms "Britain pins its hopes on David"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915100735/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1334944.cms |date=15 September 2018 }}. ''The Times of India'' (Mumbai). Retrieved 20 September 2007.</ref> On the left, the ''New Statesman'' unfavourably likened his "new style of politics" to Tony Blair's early leadership years.<ref name="Blameron">{{cite news |last=Cohen |first=Nick |date=8 August 2005 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111124205319/http://www.newstatesman.com/200508080017 |title=The birth of Blameron |work=New Statesman |location=London |archive-date=24 November 2011 |url=http://www.newstatesman.com/200508080017}}</ref> Cameron was accused of paying excessive attention to appearance: [[ITV News]] broadcast footage from the 2006 Conservative Party Conference in [[Bournemouth]] showing him wearing four different sets of clothes within a few hours.<ref name="ITN clothes">{{cite news |year=2006 |title=ITV News |publisher=ITN}}{{full citation needed|date=July 2015}}</ref> In his column for ''The Guardian'', comedy writer and broadcaster [[Charlie Brooker]] described the Conservative leader as "a hollow Easter egg with no bag of sweets inside" in April 2007.<ref>[[Charlie Brooker|Brooker, Charlie]] (2 April 2007). [https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2007/apr/02/comment.conservatives "David Cameron is like a hollow Easter egg, with no bag of sweets inside. He's nothing. He's no one"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618130637/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2007/apr/02/comment.conservatives |date=18 June 2023 }}. ''The Guardian'' (London). Retrieved 4 September 2007.</ref>

On the right of the party, [[Norman Tebbit]], the former Conservative chairman, likened Cameron to [[Pol Pot]], "intent on purging even the memory of [[Thatcherism]] before building a New Modern Compassionate Green Globally Aware Party".<ref name="Tebbit criticism">''[[The Economist]]'' (London). 4 February 2006, p. 32.</ref> [[Quentin Davies]], who defected from the Conservatives to Labour on 26 June 2007, branded him "superficial, unreliable and [with] an apparent lack of any clear convictions" and stated that Cameron had turned the Conservative Party's mission into a "PR agenda".<ref>{{cite news |title=Conservative MP defects to Labour |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6241928.stm |work=BBC News |date=27 June 2007 |access-date=24 August 2007 |archive-date=30 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630220724/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6241928.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Traditionalist conservative]] columnist and author [[Peter Hitchens]] wrote: "Mr Cameron has abandoned the last significant difference between his party and the established left", by embracing social liberalism.<ref name="Peter Hitchens">Hitchens, Peter (14 December 2005). [https://www.theguardian.com/comment/story/0,,1666602,00.html "The Tories are doomed"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113141352/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/dec/14/conservatives.uk1 |date=13 November 2023 }}. ''The Guardian'' (London). p. 28. Retrieved 6 November 2006.</ref> ''The Daily Telegraph'' correspondent and blogger [[Gerald Warner]] was particularly scathing about Cameron's leadership, saying that it alienated traditionalist conservative elements from the Conservative Party.<ref>[http://blogs/telegraph.co.uk/author/geraldwarner Blogs&nbsp;– Gerald Warner]{{dead link |date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}. ''The Daily Telegraph''.</ref>

Before he became Conservative leader, Cameron was reportedly known to friends and family as "Dave", though his preference is "David" in public.<ref name="Rumbelow">Rumbelow, Helen (21 May 2005).[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article524770.ece "The gilded youth whose son steeled him in adversity"]. ''The Times'' (London). Retrieved 4 September 2007. {{subscription required}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814113529/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article524770.ece |date=14 August 2011}}</ref><ref name="Finkelstein">[[Daniel Finkelstein]] in October 2006 objected to those attempting to belittle Cameron by calling him "Dave". See {{cite news |last=Finkelstein |first=Daniel |date=5 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424095541/http://timesonline.typepad.com/comment/2006/10/the_dave_test.html |title=The Dave Test |work=The Times Comment Central (blog) |archive-date=24 April 2011 |url=http://timesonline.typepad.com/comment/2006/10/the_dave_test.html}}</ref> Labour used the slogan [[Dave the Chameleon]] in their [[2006 United Kingdom local elections|2006 local elections]] party broadcast to portray Cameron as an ever-changing [[populist]], which was criticised as [[negative campaigning]] by the Conservative press, including ''The Daily Telegraph'',<ref name="cartoon jibes">{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=George |last2=Wilson |first2=Graeme |last3=Burleigh |first3=James |title=Blair resorts to cartoon jibes at Dave the chameleon |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1516079/Blair-resorts-to-cartoon-jibes-at-Dave-the-chameleon.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1516079/Blair-resorts-to-cartoon-jibes-at-Dave-the-chameleon.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=27 February 2016 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=19 April 2006}}{{cbignore}}</ref> though Cameron asserted the broadcast had become his daughter's "favourite video".<ref name="Times weblog">[[Hugo Rifkind|Rifkind, Hugo]] (17 May 2006). [https://web.archive.org/web/20060519185114/http://timesonline.typepad.com/ "Well, that worked"]. ''The Times'' "People" blog. Retrieved 9 November 2006.</ref>

====Allegations of recreational drug use====
During the leadership election, allegations were made that Cameron had used cannabis and [[cocaine]] recreationally before becoming an MP.<ref>{{cite news |author-link=Nicholas Lezard |last=Lezard |first=Nicholas |url=https://www.theguardian.com/drugs/Story/0,2763,1638897,00.html |title=What cocaine says about you |newspaper=The Guardian |date=10 November 2005 |access-date=6 November 2006 |location=London |page=12 |archive-date=13 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113141518/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/nov/10/toryleadership2005.drugsandalcohol |url-status=live }}</ref> Pressed on this point during the BBC television programme ''[[Question Time (TV series)|Question Time]]'', Cameron expressed the view that everybody was allowed to "err and stray" in their past.<ref name="bbc-cameron-pressed-on-drugs">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4340328.stm |title=Cameron pressed on drugs question |work=BBC News |date=14 October 2005 |access-date=13 September 2016 |archive-date=11 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011102513/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4340328.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> During his 2005 Conservative leadership campaign, he addressed the question of drug consumption by remarking: "I did lots of things before I came into politics which I shouldn't have done. We all did."<ref name="bbc-cameron-pressed-on-drugs"/>

===Shadow Cabinet appointments===
{{Main|Shadow Cabinet of David Cameron}} 
[[File:DavidCameronHomeOffice.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Cameron speaking at the Home Office, on 13 May 2010]]
His Shadow Cabinet appointments included MPs associated with the various wings of the party. Former leader William Hague was appointed to the foreign affairs brief, while both George Osborne and David Davis were retained, as [[shadow chancellor of the Exchequer]] and [[shadow home secretary]], respectively. Hague, assisted by Davis, stood in for Cameron during his [[paternity leave]] in February 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2006/feb/14/conservatives.davidcameron |title=Cameron is father for third time |last=Tempest |first=Matthew |date=14 February 2006 |website=The Guardian |access-date=20 July 2018 |archive-date=21 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721015724/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2006/feb/14/conservatives.davidcameron |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2008, Davis announced his intention to [[David Davis by-election campaign, 2008|resign as an MP]], and was immediately replaced as shadow home secretary by [[Dominic Grieve]]; Davis' surprise move was seen as a challenge to the changes introduced under Cameron's leadership.<ref>{{cite news |last=Porter |first=Andrew |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/2116367/David-Davis-to-resign-from-shadow-cabinet-and-as-MP.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080615044657/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/2116367/David-Davis-to-resign-from-shadow-cabinet-and-as-MP.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 15 June 2008 |title=David Davis to resign from shadow cabinet and as MP |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=12 June 2008 |access-date= 1 November 2009}}</ref>
[[File:David Cameron's visit2.jpg|right|thumb|upright|David Cameron with the future prime minister Theresa May, who was a member of the [[Shadow Cabinet]] from 1999 until 2010]]
A [[reshuffle]] of the Shadow Cabinet was undertaken in January 2009. The chief change was the appointment of former chancellor of the Exchequer Kenneth Clarke as shadow business, enterprise and regulatory reform secretary, with Cameron stating that "With Ken Clarke's arrival, we now have the best economic team." The reshuffle also saw eight other changes made.<ref>[http://www.conservatives.com/News/News_stories/2009/01/The_strongest_possible_Shadow_Cabinet.aspx The strongest possible Shadow Cabinet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430114321/http://www.conservatives.com/news/news_stories/2009/01/the_strongest_possible_shadow_cabinet.aspx |date=30 April 2009 }} Conservatives.com. Retrieved 1 November 2009.</ref>

====European Conservatives and Reformists====
During his successful 2005 campaign to be elected leader of the Conservative Party, Cameron pledged that the Conservative Party's [[members of the European Parliament]] would leave the [[European People's Party]] group, which had a "federalist" approach to the European Union.<ref name="Cameron EPP pledge">White, Michael; Branigan, Tania (18 October 2005). [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/oct/18/uk.conservatives1?INTCMP=SRCH "Clarke battles to avoid Tory wooden spoon".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302224159/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/oct/18/uk.conservatives1?INTCMP=SRCH |date=2 March 2023 }} ''The Guardian'' (London). p. 1.</ref> Once elected, Cameron began discussions with right-wing and [[Eurosceptic]] parties in other European countries, mainly in eastern Europe; in July 2006, he concluded an agreement to form the [[Movement for European Reform]] with the Czech [[Civic Democratic Party (Czech Republic)|Civic Democratic Party]], leading to the formation of a new European Parliament group, the [[European Conservatives and Reformists]], in 2009 after the [[2009 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom|European Parliament elections]].<ref name="Movement for European Reform">Watt, Nicholas (13 July 2006). [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2006/jul/13/uk.eu?INTCMP=SRCH "Cameron to postpone creation of new EU group".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302224206/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2006/jul/13/uk.eu?INTCMP=SRCH |date=2 March 2023 }} ''The Guardian'' (London). p. 14.</ref>
Cameron attended a gathering at [[Warsaw]]'s Palladium cinema celebrating the foundation of the alliance.<ref>Medek, Jakub (1 June 2009).[http://wyborcza.pl/1,76842,6671792,Kaczynski__Europe_Is_Anti_Catholic.html "Kaczyński: Europe Is Anti-Catholic"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801185429/https://wyborcza.pl/1,76842,6671792,Kaczynski__Europe_Is_Anti_Catholic.html |date=1 August 2020 }}. ''[[Gazeta Wyborcza]]'' (Warsaw). Retrieved 27 October 2009.</ref>

In forming the caucus, which had 54 MEPs drawn from eight of the 27 [[EU member state]]s, Cameron reportedly broke with two decades of Conservative co-operation with the centre-right Christian Democrats, the European People's Party (EPP),<ref name="guardian_03062009">{{cite news |last=Traynor |first=Ian |title=Anti-gay, climate change deniers: meet David Cameron's new friends |work=The Guardian |date=2 June 2009 |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/jun/02/david-cameron-alliance-polish-nationalists |access-date=2 June 2009 |archive-date=6 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906181732/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/jun/02/david-cameron-alliance-polish-nationalists |url-status=live }}</ref> on the grounds that they are dominated by European [[federalism|federalists]] and supporters of the [[Lisbon treaty]].<ref name="guardian_03062009"/> EPP leader [[Wilfried Martens]], former [[prime minister of Belgium]], stated: "Cameron's campaign has been to take his party back to the centre in every policy area with one major exception: Europe.&nbsp;... I can't understand his tactics. [[Merkel]] and [[Sarkozy]] will never accept his Euroscepticism."<ref name="guardian_03062009"/>

====Shortlists for Parliamentary candidates====
Similarly, Cameron's initial "[[A-List (Conservative)|A-List]]" of prospective parliamentary candidates was attacked by members of his party,<ref name=BBC_13_10_06>{{cite news |title=Don't ditch Tory values, MP warns |work=BBC News |date=13 October 2006 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bradford/6046668.stm |access-date=15 February 2010 |archive-date=29 November 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061129111623/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bradford/6046668.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and the policy was discontinued in favour of sex-balanced final shortlists. Before being discontinued, the policy had been criticised by senior Conservative MP and former Prisons Spokeswoman [[Ann Widdecombe]] as an "insult to women", and she had accused Cameron of "storing up huge problems for the future."<ref name="Widdecombe">McSmith, Andy (22 August 2006). "Cameron push for more female MPs 'an insult to women{{'"}}. ''The Independent'' (London).</ref>

====South Africa====
In April 2009, ''[[The Independent]]'' reported that in 1989, while [[Nelson Mandela]] remained imprisoned under the [[apartheid]] regime, Cameron had accepted a trip to South Africa paid for by an anti-sanctions lobby firm. A spokesperson for Cameron responded by saying that the Conservative Party was at that time opposed to [[economic sanctions|sanctions]] against South Africa and that his trip was a fact-finding mission. However, the newspaper reported that Cameron's then superior at Conservative Research Department called the trip "jolly", saying that "it was all terribly relaxed, just a little treat, a perk of the job. The [[P. W. Botha|Botha]] regime was attempting to make itself look less horrible, but I don't regard it as having been of the faintest political consequence." Cameron distanced himself from his party's history of opposing sanctions against the regime. He was criticised by Labour MP [[Peter Hain]], himself an anti-apartheid campaigner.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/revealed-camerons-freebie-to-apartheid-south-africa-1674367.html |title=Cameron's freebie to apartheid South Africa |date=26 April 2009 |last1=Merrick |first1=Jane |last2=Hanning |first2=James |work=The Independent on Sunday |location=London |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=13 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213100816/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/revealed-camerons-freebie-to-apartheid-south-africa-1674367.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Raising teaching standards====
At the launch of the Conservative Party's education [[manifesto]] in January 2010, Cameron declared an admiration for the "brazenly elite" approach to education of countries such as Singapore and South Korea, and expressed a desire to "elevate the status of teaching in our country".<ref name=Telegraph_18_01_10>{{Cite news |last=Kirkup |first=James |title=David Cameron pledges 'brazen elitism' in teaching |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=7 February 2010 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/david-cameron/7014885/David-Cameron-pledges-brazen-elitism-in-teaching.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100121015532/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/david-cameron/7014885/David-Cameron-pledges-brazen-elitism-in-teaching.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 21 January 2010 |access-date =15 February 2010 |location=London}}</ref> He suggested the adoption of more stringent criteria for entry to teaching, and offered repayment of the loans of maths and science graduates obtaining first or 2.1 degrees from "good" universities.<ref name=Independent_18_01_10>{{Cite news |last=Garner |first=Richard |title='Only for elite' fear over Tory teaching deal |newspaper=The Independent |date=18 January 2010 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/only-for-elite-fear-over-tory-student-loans-deal-1871847.html |access-date=15 February 2010 |location=London |archive-date=20 April 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420143843/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/only-for-elite-fear-over-tory-student-loans-deal-1871847.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Wes Streeting]], then president of the [[National Union of Students (United Kingdom)|National Union of Students]], said: "The message that the Conservatives are sending to the majority of students is that if you didn't go to a university attended by members of the Shadow Cabinet, they don't believe you're worth as much."<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.nus.org.uk/cy/news/nus-comments-on-david-camerons-proposals-to-create-good-university-shortlist/ |publisher=[[National Union of Students (United Kingdom)|National Union of Students]] |date=19 January 2010 |access-date=6 June 2014 |title=NUS comments on David Cameron's proposals to create 'Good University' shortlist }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

====Expenses====
During the [[MPs expenses scandal]] in 2009, Cameron said he would lead Conservatives in repaying "excessive" expenses and threatened to expel MPs that refused, after the expense claims of several members of his shadow cabinet had been questioned:<blockquote>We have to acknowledge just how bad this is, the public are really angry and we have to start by saying, "Look, this system that we have, that we used, that we operated, that we took part in—it was wrong and we are sorry about that".<ref>{{cite news |title='Appalled' Cameron leads payback |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8044998.stm |access-date=3 May 2015 |work=BBC News |date=12 May 2009 |archive-date=17 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090517093452/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8044998.stm |url-status=live }}</ref></blockquote>

One day later, ''The Daily Telegraph'' published figures showing over five years he had claimed £82,450 on his second home allowance.<ref>''The Guardian'' (London) 2009 [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/dec/10/david-cameron-mps-expenses David Cameron claimed over £1,000 a month on second home] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418195210/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/dec/10/david-cameron-mps-expenses |date=18 April 2023 }}</ref> Cameron repaid £680 claimed for repairs to his constituency home.<ref>{{cite news |title=David Cameron's expenses |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/shadow-cabinet-expenses/5633166/David-Camerons-expenses.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/shadow-cabinet-expenses/5633166/David-Camerons-expenses.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2015 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=26 June 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Although he was not accused of breaking any rules, Cameron was placed on the defensive over mortgage interest expense claims covering his constituency home, after a report in ''[[The Mail on Sunday]]'' suggested he could have reduced the mortgage interest bill by putting an additional £75,000 of his own money towards purchasing the home in Witney, instead of paying off an earlier mortgage on his London home.<ref name="sack">{{cite news |title=Cameron backs MP 'sacking' powers |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8075846.stm |access-date=3 May 2015 |work=BBC News |date=31 May 2009 |archive-date=6 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606154150/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8075846.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron said that doing things differently would not have saved the taxpayer any money, as he was paying more on mortgage interest than he was able to reclaim as expenses anyway.<ref name="sack"/> He also spoke out in favour of laws giving voters the power to "recall" or "sack" MPs accused of wrongdoing.<ref name="sack"/> In April 2014, he was criticised for his handling of the expenses row surrounding Culture Secretary [[Maria Miller]], when he rejected calls from fellow Conservative MPs to sack her from the front bench.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/conservative-mps-expenses/10751516/David-Camerons-handling-of-Maria-Miller-scandal-losing-party-votes.html "David Cameron's handling of Maria Miller scandal losing party votes"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302224207/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/conservative-mps-expenses/10751516/David-Camerons-handling-of-Maria-Miller-scandal-losing-party-votes.html |date=2 March 2023 }}. ''The Daily Telegraph'' (London). 8 April 2014.</ref>

===2010 general election===
{{Main|2010 United Kingdom general election}}
The Conservatives had last won a general election in 1992. The [[2010 United Kingdom general election|2010 general election]] resulted in the Conservatives, led by Cameron, winning the largest number of seats (306). This was, however, 20 seats short of an overall majority, and resulted in the nation's first [[hung parliament]] since [[February 1974 United Kingdom general election|February 1974]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/election2010/results |title=BBC News&nbsp;– Election 2010&nbsp;– Results&nbsp;– United Kingdom&nbsp;– National Results |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=14 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414102452/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/election2010/results/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2010 government formation===
{{Main|2010 United Kingdom government formation}}
Talks between Cameron and Liberal Democrat leader [[Nick Clegg]] led to an agreed Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition. Cameron, in late 2009, had urged the Liberal Democrats to join the Conservatives in a new "national movement", saying there was "barely a cigarette paper" between them on a large number of issues. The invitation was rejected at the time by the Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, who said that the Conservatives were totally different from his party, and that the Lib Dems were the true "progressives" in UK politics.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wheeler |first=Brian |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8264994.stm |title=Clegg rejects Tory alliance call |work=BBC News |date=20 September 2009 |access-date=13 April 2010 |archive-date=24 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924234807/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8264994.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Premiership (2010–2016)==
{{Main|Premiership of David Cameron}}
{{Further|Cameron–Clegg coalition|Second Cameron ministry}}
[[File:David Cameron and Barack Obama at the G20 Summit in Toronto.jpg|thumb|left|Meeting President [[Barack Obama]] during the [[2010 G20 Toronto summit]]|alt=US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron exchange bottles of beer to settle a bet they made on the US vs. England World Cup football match (which ended in a draw), during a bilateral meeting at the G20 Summit in Toronto, Canada, Saturday, 26 June 2010]]
On 11 May 2010, following the resignation of [[Gordon Brown]] as prime minister and on his recommendation, Queen [[Elizabeth II]] invited Cameron to form a new administration.<ref name=BBCNewPM>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/8675265.stm |title=David Cameron is UK's new prime minister |date=11 May 2010 |work=BBC News |access-date=11 May 2010 |archive-date=13 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513181000/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/8675265.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> At age 43, Cameron became the youngest prime minister since [[Lord Liverpool]] in 1812, beating the record previously set by [[Tony Blair]] in May 1997.<ref name=Telegraph11May2009YoungestPM>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/david-cameron/7712545/David-Cameron-becomes-youngest-Prime-Minister-in-almost-200-years.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100513031801/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/david-cameron/7712545/David-Cameron-becomes-youngest-Prime-Minister-in-almost-200-years.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 13 May 2010 |title=David Cameron becomes youngest Prime Minister in almost 200 years |date=11 May 2010 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=11 May 2010 |location=London |first=Andrew |last=Hough}}</ref> In his first address outside [[10 Downing Street]], he announced his intention to form a [[coalition government]], the first since the [[Second World War]], with the Liberal Democrats.

[[File:Clegg Victory for the Gurkhas.jpg|right|thumb|Cameron in 2009 as leader of the opposition, with Lib Dem leader [[Nick Clegg]], who later became [[Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|deputy prime minister]], and Lib Dem spokesman [[Chris Huhne]] ]]
Cameron outlined how he intended to "put aside party differences and work hard for the common good and for the national interest."<ref name=Telegraph11May2009YoungestPM/> As one of his first moves Cameron appointed Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, as deputy prime minister on 11 May 2010.<ref name=BBCNewPM/> Between them, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats controlled 363 seats in the House of Commons, with a majority of 76 seats.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lyall |first=Sarah |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/13/world/europe/13britain.html |title=Britain's Improbable New Leaders Promise Big Changes |newspaper=The New York Times |date=12 May 2010 |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=16 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516174657/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/13/world/europe/13britain.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2010, Cameron described the economic situation as he came to power as "even worse than we thought" and warned of "difficult decisions" to be made over spending cuts.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lyall |first=Sarah |title=Cameron Warns Britons of Austerity |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/08/world/europe/08britain.html |access-date=12 October 2015 |work=The New York Times |date=7 June 2010 |archive-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325104426/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/08/world/europe/08britain.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By the beginning of 2015, he was able to claim that [[United Kingdom government austerity programme|his government's austerity programme]] had succeeded in halving the budget deficit, although as a percentage of GDP rather than in cash terms.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ehrenberg |first=Billy |title=Have the Conservatives really halved the deficit |url=http://www.cityam.com/206406/have-conservatives-really-halved-deficit |access-date=12 October 2015 |newspaper=City AM |location=London |date=5 January 2015 |archive-date=19 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019014554/http://www.cityam.com/206406/have-conservatives-really-halved-deficit |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Nelson |first=Fraser |title=Why is David Cameron now misleading voters about the deficit? |url=http://blogs.new.spectator.co.uk/2014/12/shamefully-david-cameron-is-now-misleading-voters-about-the-deficit/ |access-date=12 October 2015 |work=The Spectator |location=London |date=15 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019014554/http://blogs.new.spectator.co.uk/2014/12/shamefully-david-cameron-is-now-misleading-voters-about-the-deficit/ |archive-date=19 October 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Prime Minister's Olympic hunger summit (7772208606).jpg|thumb|left|Cameron hosting a hunger summit in 2012, with [[Pelé]] (second left) and [[Mo Farah]] (right) outside 10 Downing St.]]

In December 2010, Cameron attended a meeting with [[FIFA]] vice-president [[Chung Mong-joon]], in which a vote-trading deal for the right to host the 2018 World Cup in England was discussed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince William and David Cameron caught up in Fifa corruption scanda |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/27/prince-william-david-cameron-caught-fifa-corruption-scandal/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/27/prince-william-david-cameron-caught-fifa-corruption-scandal/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=27 June 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>"[https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/video-news/video-david-cameron-and-prince-william-implicated-in-fifa-corruption-probe-35874189.html Video: David Cameron and Prince William implicated in FIFA corruption probe] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914104818/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/video-news/video-david-cameron-and-prince-william-implicated-in-fifa-corruption-probe-35874189.html |date=2019-09-14 }}". ''Belfast Telegraph''. 28 June 2017.</ref>

Cameron agreed to holding the [[2014 Scottish independence referendum]] and eliminated the "[[devomax]]" option from the ballot for a straight out yes or no vote. His support for the successful [[Better Together (campaign)|Better Together]] campaign extended to making a successful request to the Queen to intervene.<ref>{{cite news |last=Carrell |first=Severin |title=Sturgeon signals Queen should stay out of future Scotland vote |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/19/nicola-sturgeon-signals-queen-should-stay-out-future-scotland-vote |work=The Guardian |date=19 September 2019 |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=2 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302224153/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/19/nicola-sturgeon-signals-queen-should-stay-out-future-scotland-vote |url-status=live }}</ref> He had also backed a successful campaign to retain the status quo in a [[2011 United Kingdom Alternative Vote referendum|referendum on changing the voting system]], held at the request of his coalition partners. The 2016 referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union meant that his tenure as British prime minister saw an unprecedented three referendums on the UK's constitutional future.

He supported the introduction of [[gay marriage]], despite more of his own Conservative MPs voting against the move than for it, meaning the support of Lib Dem MPs in government and Labour MPs in opposition was required to allow it to pass.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/02/05/more-conservative-mps-voted-against-same-sex-marriage-than-for-it/ |title=More Conservative MPs voted against same-sex marriage than for it |work=Pink News |location=London |date=5 February 2013 |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427145120/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/02/05/more-conservative-mps-voted-against-same-sex-marriage-than-for-it/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Earlier in his term, he had managed to secure a huge majority for UK participation in UN-backed military action in Libya,<ref>{{cite news |title=MPs back United Nations action against Col Gaddafi |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12799937 |access-date=5 March 2016 |work=BBC News |date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=20 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420143534/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12799937 |url-status=live }}</ref> but Cameron became the first prime minister [[American Revolutionary War#North Ministry collapses|since 1782]] to lose a foreign policy vote in the House of Commons over proposed military action against [[Bashar al-Assad]]'s regime in Syria.<ref name="bbcbio2015">{{cite news |last=Wheeler |first=Brian |title=The David Cameron story |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32592449 |access-date=5 March 2016 |work=BBC News |date=9 May 2015 |archive-date=20 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320072809/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32592449 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first1=Nicholas |last1=Watt |first2=Nick |last2=Hopkins |title=Cameron forced to rule out British attack on Syria after MPs reject motion |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/29/cameron-british-attack-syria-mps |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=29 August 2013 |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007205244/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/29/cameron-british-attack-syria-mps |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, Barack Obama asked [[Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the Government of Syria to Respond to Use of Chemical Weapons|congressional approval]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Text of President Obama's Remarks on Syria |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/01/world/middleeast/text-of-president-obamas-remarks-on-syria.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=31 August 2013 |quote=impacted by what we saw happen in the United Kingdom this week when the Parliament of our closest ally failed to pass a resolution with a similar goal, even as the Prime Minister supported taking action |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214174554/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/01/world/middleeast/text-of-president-obamas-remarks-on-syria.html?ref=middleeast&_r=0 |url-status=live }}</ref> which was not ultimately granted.

===Economy===
{{see also|United Kingdom government austerity programme}}
[[File:Uk incomes.png|thumb|upright=1.35|UK median household disposable income by income group for 2008–2016, indexed to 2008<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/personalandhouseholdfinances/incomeandwealth/bulletins/householddisposableincomeandinequality/financialyearending2016 |title=Household disposable income and inequality in the UK – Office for National Statistics |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915170240/https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/personalandhouseholdfinances/incomeandwealth/bulletins/householddisposableincomeandinequality/financialyearending2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
In response to the [[Great Recession]], Cameron undertook the austerity programme. This was a deficit reduction programme consisting of sustained reductions in public spending, intended to reduce the [[government budget deficit]] and the [[welfare state in the United Kingdom]]. The [[National Health Service]]<ref>{{cite web |title=NHS funding protected? |url=http://www.nhscampaign.org/NHS-reforms/no-cuts-to-nhs-budget.html |publisher=NHS Support Federation|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-date=7 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307223503/http://www.nhscampaign.org/NHS-reforms/no-cuts-to-nhs-budget.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and education<ref>{{cite news |title=School spending stays protected from budget cuts |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-23063018 |work=BBC News |date=26 June 2013 |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915170214/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-23063018 |url-status=live }}</ref> were "[[ringfenced]]" and protected from direct spending cuts.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22363650 |title=Should NHS budget be ring-fenced? |work=BBC News |date=1 May 2013 |access-date=3 September 2016 |archive-date=22 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722212425/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22363650 |url-status=live }}</ref> Together with Chancellor George Osborne, Cameron aimed to eliminate the structural deficit (i.e. deficit on current spending as opposed to investment), and to have government debt falling as a percentage of GDP.<ref name=Nevin>{{cite web |title=Austerity in Northern Ireland. Where are we and where are we going? |url=https://www.nerinstitute.net/blog/2015/05/06/austerity-in-northern-ireland-where-are-we-and-whe/ |publisher=Nevin Economic Research Institute |first=Paul |last=Mac Flynn |date=6 May 2015 |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009213435/https://www.nerinstitute.net/blog/2015/05/06/austerity-in-northern-ireland-where-are-we-and-whe/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2015, the deficit as a percentage of GDP had been reduced to half what it was in 2010, and the sale of government assets (mostly the shares of banks nationalised in the 2000s) had resulted in government debt as a proportion of GDP falling.<ref name=Nevin/>

===Immigration===
Cameron said immigration from outside the EU should be subject to annual limits. He said in July 2013 that "in the last decade we have had an immigration policy that's completely lax. The pressure it puts on our public services and communities is too great."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10197738/David-Cameron-Immigration-is-constant-drain-on-public-services.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10197738/David-Cameron-Immigration-is-constant-drain-on-public-services.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=David Cameron: 'Immigration is constant drain on public services' |date=23 July 2013 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=Steven |last=Swinford}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In 2015, ''The Independent'' reported: "The Conservatives have failed spectacularly to deliver their pledge to reduce net migration to less than 100,000 a year. The [[Office for National Statistics]] (ONS) announced a net flow of 298,000 migrants to the UK in the 12 months to September 2014—up from 210,000 in the previous year."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/tory-immigration-pledge-failed-spectacularly-as-figures-show-net-migration-nearly-three-times-as-high-as-david-cameron-promised-10071710.html |title=David Cameron immigration pledge 'failed spectacularly' as figures show net migration almost three times as high as Tories promised |date=26 February 2015 |work=The Independent |location=London |first=Andrew |last=Grice |access-date=20 July 2015 |archive-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707150837/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/tory-immigration-pledge-failed-spectacularly-as-figures-show-net-migration-nearly-three-times-as-high-as-david-cameron-promised-10071710.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Defence and foreign affairs===
{{further|List of international prime ministerial trips made by David Cameron}}

====Defence cuts====
[[File:UK Prime Minister Visits Troops in Helmand 141003-M-MF313-130.jpg|thumb| Cameron visits British troops in [[Islamic Republic of Afghanistan|Afghanistan]], 3 October 2014]]
In 2014, Cameron dismissed warnings that his cuts to the UK defence budget had left it less than a "first class-player in terms of defence" and no longer a "full partner" to the United States.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25763902 |title=David Cameron dismisses Robert Gates' defence cuts warning |last=Beale |first=Jonathan |date=16 January 2014 |work=BBC News |access-date=16 January 2014 |archive-date=16 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116170715/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25763902 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the July 2015 budget, Chancellor George Osborne announced that the UK defence spending would meet the NATO target of 2% of GDP.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2015/jul/08/uk-defence-spending-to-be-kept-at-2-of-gdp |title=UK defence spending to be kept at 2% of GDP |date=8 July 2015 |work=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=15 August 2015 |archive-date=14 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814043649/http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2015/jul/08/uk-defence-spending-to-be-kept-at-2-of-gdp |url-status=live }}</ref>

====NATO military intervention in Libya====
{{See also|Operation Ellamy}}
[[File:NATO Secretary General (5570935879).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Cameron and Foreign Secretary [[William Hague]] speaking to [[NATO]] secretary general [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] (left) at the [[London Conference on Libya]], 29 March 2011]]
Cameron condemned the violence used against anti-Gaddafi protesters at the beginning of the [[Libyan Civil War (2011)|Libyan Civil War]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Libya unrest: David Cameron condemns violence |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12524470 |access-date=15 February 2013 |work=BBC News |date=21 February 2011 |archive-date=1 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501132155/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12524470 |url-status=live }}</ref> After weeks of lobbying by the UK and its allies, on 17 March 2011, the [[United Nations Security Council]] approved a [[2011 military intervention in Libya|no-fly zone]] to prevent government forces loyal to [[Muammar Gaddafi]] from carrying out air attacks on [[anti-Gaddafi forces|anti-Gaddafi rebels]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Judd |first=Terri |title=Operation Ellamy: Designed to strike from air and sea |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/operation-ellamy-designed-to-strike-from-air-and-sea-2246411.html |access-date=20 March 2011 |newspaper=The Independent |date=19 March 2011 |location=London |archive-date=22 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322041554/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/operation-ellamy-designed-to-strike-from-air-and-sea-2246411.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Two days later, the UK and the United States fired more than 110 [[Tomahawk missile]]s at targets in Libya.<ref>{{cite news |title=Libya: US, UK and France attack Gaddafi forces |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12796972 |access-date=15 February 2013 |work=BBC News |date=20 March 2011 |archive-date=20 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110320053754/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12796972 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Cameron said he was "proud" of the role United Kingdom played in the overthrow of Gaddafi's government.<ref>{{cite news |title=David Cameron's Libya statement in full |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/house_of_commons/newsid_9581000/9581065.stm |work=BBC News |date=5 September 2011 |access-date=24 March 2016 |archive-date=26 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326095134/http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/house_of_commons/newsid_9581000/9581065.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron also stated that UK had played a "very important role",<ref>{{cite press release |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=2 September 2011 |title=Britain should be proud of role in Libya |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cameron-britain-should-be-proud-of-role-in-libya |access-date=24 March 2016 |archive-date=8 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408025447/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cameron-britain-should-be-proud-of-role-in-libya |url-status=live }}</ref> adding that "a lot of people said that Tripoli was completely different to Benghazi and that the two don't get on—they were wrong.&nbsp;... People who said 'this is all going to be an enormous swamp of Islamists and extremists'—they were wrong".<ref>{{cite web |last=Mulholland |first=Hélène |date=2 September 2011 |title=Libya intervention: British forces played key role, says Cameron |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/sep/02/libya-intervention-british-forces-key |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=24 March 2016 |archive-date=15 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315085111/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/sep/02/libya-intervention-british-forces-key |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2015 through 2016, the [[Foreign Affairs Select Committee]] conducted an extensive and highly critical inquiry into the British involvement in the civil war. It concluded that the early threat to civilians had been overstated, and that the significant Islamist element in the rebel forces had not been recognised, due to an intelligence failure. By mid-2011, the initial limited intervention to protect Libyan civilians had become a policy of [[regime change]]. However, that new policy did not include proper support for a new government, leading to a political and economic collapse in Libya, and the growth of [[ISIL]] in North Africa. It concluded that Cameron was ultimately responsible for this British policy failure.<ref name=bbc-20160914>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37356873 |title=MPs attack Cameron over Libya 'collapse' |work=BBC News |date=14 September 2016 |access-date=14 September 2016 |archive-date=14 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914041944/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37356873 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="guardian-20160914">{{cite news |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |author-link=Patrick Wintour |date=14 September 2016 |title=MPs deliver damning verdict on Cameron's Libya intervention |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/14/mps-deliver-damning-verdict-on-camerons-libya-intervention |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522105218/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/14/mps-deliver-damning-verdict-on-camerons-libya-intervention |archive-date=22 May 2023 |access-date=14 September 2016 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref><ref name=hoc-libya>{{cite report |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmfaff/119/119.pdf |title=Libya: Examination of intervention and collapse and the UK's future policy options |publisher=Foreign Affairs Committee (House of Commons) |date=6 September 2016 |id=HC 119 |access-date=14 September 2016 |archive-date=27 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927090612/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmfaff/119/119.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

US president Barack Obama also acknowledged there had been issues with following up the conflict planning, commenting in an interview with ''[[The Atlantic]]'' that Cameron had allowed himself to be "distracted by a range of other things".<ref>{{cite news |date=11 March 2016 |title=Barack Obama is right to criticise David Cameron's handling of Libya&nbsp;– but the US should not get off the hook |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/barack-obama-is-right-to-criticise-david-cameron-s-handling-of-libya-but-the-us-should-not-get-off-a6926666.html |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |access-date=24 March 2016 |archive-date=28 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128224438/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/barack-obama-is-right-to-criticise-david-cameron-s-handling-of-libya-but-the-us-should-not-get-off-a6926666.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Barack Obama accuses David Cameron of getting 'distracted' over Libya and contributing to 's*** show' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/12190303/Barack-Obama-accuses-David-Cameron-of-getting-distracted-over-Libya-and-contributing-to-s-show.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/12190303/Barack-Obama-accuses-David-Cameron-of-getting-distracted-over-Libya-and-contributing-to-s-show.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=18 April 2017 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=10 March 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Jeffrey |title=The Obama Doctrine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/04/the-obama-doctrine/471525/#9 |access-date=18 April 2017 |work=The Atlantic |location=Washington DC |date=April 2016 |archive-date=18 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918034100/https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/04/the-obama-doctrine/471525/#9 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Falklands====
{{See also|Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute}}
In 2013, in response to Argentina's calls for negotiations over the [[Falkland Islands]]' sovereignty, [[2013 Falkland Islands sovereignty referendum|a referendum]] was called, asking [[Falkland Islanders]] whether they supported the continuation of their status as an [[British Overseas Territories|Overseas Territory]] of the United Kingdom. With a turnout of 91.94%, an overwhelming 99.8% voted to remain a British territory, with only three votes against.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21750909 |title=Falklands referendum: Voters choose to remain UK territory |work=BBC News |date=12 March 2013 |access-date=16 August 2015 |archive-date=31 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831043745/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21750909 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In light of this, Cameron said: "We believe in the Falkland islanders' right to self-determination. They had a referendum. They couldn't have been more clear about wanting to remain with our country and we should protect and defend them".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/mar/24/falkland-islands-defended-uk-david-cameron-argentina |title=Falkland Islands will always be defended by UK, says David Cameron |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=24 March 2015 |access-date=16 August 2015 |archive-date=21 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821170006/http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/mar/24/falkland-islands-defended-uk-david-cameron-argentina |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Saudi Arabia====
Cameron supported [[Saudi Arabia–United Kingdom relations|Britain's close relationship with Saudi Arabia]].<ref>"[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-defends-britains-alliance-with-saudi-arabia-and-rejects-accusations-it-funds-isis-a6819106.html David Cameron defends Britain's alliance with Saudi Arabia and rejects accusations it funds Isis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611223243/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-defends-britains-alliance-with-saudi-arabia-and-rejects-accusations-it-funds-isis-a6819106.html |date=2020-06-11 }}". ''The Independent''. 18 January 2016.</ref> In January 2015, Cameron travelled to the Saudi capital [[Riyadh]] to pay his respects, following the death of the nation's [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|King Abdullah]].

According to [[WikiLeaks]], Cameron initiated a secret deal with Saudi Arabia, ensuring both countries were elected onto the [[UN Human Rights Council]].<ref>"[https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/sep/29/uk-and-saudi-arabia-in-secret-deal-over-human-rights-council-place UK and Saudi Arabia 'in secret deal' over human rights council place ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729042236/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/sep/29/uk-and-saudi-arabia-in-secret-deal-over-human-rights-council-place |date=2023-07-29 }}". ''The Guardian''. 29 September 2015.</ref> In 2015, Cameron's government announced "firm political support" for the [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen]] against the [[Zaidiyyah|Shi'a]] [[Supreme Revolutionary Committee|Houthi]]s,<ref>"[https://news.yahoo.com/britain-offers-saudis-support-over-yemen-strikes-231638019.html Britain offers Saudis support over Yemen strikes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408041039/https://news.yahoo.com/britain-offers-saudis-support-over-yemen-strikes-231638019.html |date=2022-04-08 }}". Yahoo News. 27 March 2015</ref> re-supplying the Saudi military with weapons and providing them with training.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/yemen/11557098/Yemen-crisis-British-ministers-clash-over-supplying-bombs-to-Saudi-Arabia-as-coalition-launches-new-air-strikes.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/yemen/11557098/Yemen-crisis-British-ministers-clash-over-supplying-bombs-to-Saudi-Arabia-as-coalition-launches-new-air-strikes.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Daily Telegraph |title=Yemen crisis: British MPs clash over supplying bombs to Saudi Arabia as coalition launches new air strikes |date=23 April 2015 |location=London |first=Con |last=Coughlin}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>"[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/25/david-cameron-brilliant-uk-arms-exports-saudi-arabia-bae David Cameron boasts of 'brilliant' UK arms exports to Saudi Arabia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225193728/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/25/david-cameron-brilliant-uk-arms-exports-saudi-arabia-bae |date=2016-02-25 }}". ''The Guardian''. 25 February 2016.</ref><ref>"[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-accused-of-silently-taking-britain-into-saudi-arabia-s-brutal-war-in-yemen-a6822811.html David Cameron accused of silently taking Britain into Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171125210554/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-accused-of-silently-taking-britain-into-saudi-arabia-s-brutal-war-in-yemen-a6822811.html |date=2017-11-25 }}". ''The Independent''. 20 January 2016.</ref>

====Sri Lanka====
Cameron reiterated calls for an independent investigation into the [[alleged war crimes during the final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Jivanda |first=Tomas |title=Sri Lanka dismisses David Cameron's call for independent human rights inquiry |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/sri-lanka-dismisses-david-camerons-call-for-independent-human-rights-inquiry-8944157.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=16 November 2013 |location=London |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=7 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407023740/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/sri-lanka-dismisses-david-camerons-call-for-independent-human-rights-inquiry-8944157.html |url-status=live }}</ref> "There needs to be proper inquiries into what happened at the end of the war, there needs to be proper human rights, democracy for the [[Sri Lankan Tamils|Tamil minority]] in that country" Cameron stated.<ref>{{cite news |last=Woodcock |first=Andrew |title=Sri Lanka: Cameron calls for war crimes inquiry |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/sri-lanka-cameron-calls-for-war-crimes-inquiry-1-3189795 |newspaper=[[Scotland on Sunday]] |location=Edinburgh |date=15 November 2013 |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211103251/https://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/sri-lanka-cameron-calls-for-war-crimes-inquiry-1-3189795 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Britain's Cameron faces protests in former Sri Lanka war zone |url=http://www.euronews.com/newswires/2205628-torture-claims-cast-shadow-over-sri-lankas-commonwealth-summit/ |newspaper=[[Euronews]] |date=15 November 2013 |last1=Aneez |first1=Shihar |last2=Daniel |first2=Frank Jack |agency=[[Reuters]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232935/http://www.euronews.com/newswires/2205628-torture-claims-cast-shadow-over-sri-lankas-commonwealth-summit/ |archive-date=2 December 2013}}</ref> He stated that, if this investigation was not completed by March 2014, he would press for an independent international inquiry.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cameron calls for war crimes inquiry in Sri Lanka |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24967501 |work=BBC News |date=16 November 2013 |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=3 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203203354/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24967501 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Britain gives Sri Lanka deadline on war crimes probe |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/britain-gives-sri-lanka-deadline-on-war-crimes-probe/article5358307.ece |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=16 November 2013 |agency=[[Deutsche Presse-Agentur]] |location=Chennai |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=24 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524085517/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/britain-gives-sri-lanka-deadline-on-war-crimes-probe/article5358307.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=David Cameron puts Sri Lanka on notice over war crime allegations |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-17/an-david-cameron-puts-sri-lanka-on-notice-over-war-crime-allega/5097278 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |date=17 November 2013 |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=8 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308055346/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-17/an-david-cameron-puts-sri-lanka-on-notice-over-war-crime-allega/5097278 |url-status=live }}</ref> This followed a visit to [[Jaffna]], a war-ravaged town in the northern part of Sri Lanka; Cameron was the first foreign leader to visit Jaffna since the island once colonised by Britain became independent in 1948.<ref name="ST">{{Cite news |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/top-story/40318.html |title=Residents in Jaffna have hopes raised with Cameron's visit to the North |date=16 November 2013 |work=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)|The Sunday Times]] |location=Colombo |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=16 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118204730/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/top-story/40318.html |archive-date=18 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Robinson |first=Nick |title=Cameron in Northern Sri Lanka |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24954387 |work=BBC News |date=15 November 2013 |author-link=Nick Robinson (journalist) |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=8 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608190534/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24954387 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron was mobbed by demonstrators, mostly women, seeking his assistance in tracing [[missing person|missing relatives]].<ref name="TG">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/15/david-cameron-car-surrounded-sri-lankan-protesters-tamil |title=David Cameron's car surrounded by Sri Lankan protesters |date=15 November 2013 |last=Mason |first=Rowena |work=The Guardian |access-date=16 November 2013 |location=London |archive-date=16 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116073808/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/15/david-cameron-car-surrounded-sri-lankan-protesters-tamil |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Doherty |first=Ben |title=Tamil protesters mob British Prime Minister in Jaffna |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/tamil-protesters-mob-british-prime-minister-in-jaffna-20131116-2xn4a.html |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=16 November 2013 |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=2 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302224154/https://www.smh.com.au/world/tamil-protesters-mob-british-prime-minister-in-jaffna-20131116-2xn4a.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Turkey====
In a speech in [[Ankara]] in July 2010, Cameron stated unequivocally his support for [[Turkey's accession to the EU]], citing economic, security and political considerations, and claimed that those who opposed Turkish membership were driven by "protectionism, narrow nationalism or prejudice".<ref name="AnkaraSpeech">{{cite press release |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120929080950/http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/pms-speech-in-turkey/ |url=http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/pms-speech-in-turkey/ |title=PM's speech in Turkey |date=27 July 2010 |publisher=Prime Minister's Office |archive-date=29 September 2012 |quote=I am here to make the case for Turkey's membership of the European Union and to fight for it.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-10767768 |work=BBC News |title=Cameron 'anger' at slow pace of Turkish EU negotiations |date=27 July 2010 |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=4 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104234645/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-10767768 |url-status=live }}</ref> In that speech, he was also critical of Israeli action during the [[Gaza flotilla raid]] and its Gaza policy, and repeated his opinion that Israel had turned Gaza into a "prison camp",<ref name="AnkaraSpeech"/> having previously referred to Gaza as "a giant open prison".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Watt |first1=Nicholas |last2=Sherwood |first2=Harriet |date=27 July 2010 |title=David Cameron: Israeli blockade has turned Gaza Strip into a 'prison camp' |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> These views were met with mixed reactions.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thejc.com/lifestyle/the-simon-round-interview/38184/interview-gideon-levy |last=Round |first=Simon |date=16 September 2010 |title=Interview: Gideon Levy: The veteran Israeli journalist says his country has behaved unacceptably over Gaza |newspaper=The Jewish Chronicle |location=London |access-date=5 June 2011 |archive-date=17 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417223935/https://www.thejc.com/lifestyle/the-simon-round-interview/38184/interview-gideon-levy |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?id=183421 |last=Shoval |first=Zalman |date=2 August 2010 |title=David Cameron looking both ways |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=5 June 2011 |archive-date=25 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225202327/http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?id=183421 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Cameron government declined to formally recognise [[Armenian genocide|the Ottoman Empire's massacres of Armenians]] as a "genocide".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/on-the-middle-east/2015/apr/23/britain-sidesteps-armenian-genocide-recognition-a-century-after-killings |title=Britain sidesteps Armenian genocide recognition a century after killings |newspaper=The Guardian |date=23 April 2015 |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=16 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616105758/http://www.theguardian.com/world/on-the-middle-east/2015/apr/23/britain-sidesteps-armenian-genocide-recognition-a-century-after-killings |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the EU referendum campaign, Cameron stated that Turkey was unlikely to be ready to join the EU "until the year 3000", at its current rate of progress.<ref>{{cite news |first=George |last=Parker |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/de1efd42-2001-11e6-aa98-db1e01fabc0c.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/de1efd42-2001-11e6-aa98-db1e01fabc0c.html |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |title=Turkey unlikely to join EU 'until the year 3000', says Cameron |website=Financial Times |date=22 May 2016 |access-date=11 August 2016}}</ref>

====Israel====
At the end of May 2011, Cameron stepped down as patron of the [[Jewish National Fund]],<ref name="Guardian29052011">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/may/29/david-cameron-resigns-patron-jnf?INTCMP=SRCH |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=29 May 2011 |title=David Cameron resigns as patron of the Jewish National Fund |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=6 June 2011 |location=London |archive-date=5 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105052313/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/may/29/david-cameron-resigns-patron-jnf?INTCMP=SRCH |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=223268 |last=Paul |first=Jonny |date=2 June 2011 |title=Cameron denies political pressure led to JNF resignation |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=6 June 2011 |archive-date=12 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012211004/http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=223268 |url-status=live }}</ref> becoming the first British prime minister not to be patron of the charity in the 110 years of its existence.<ref name=TJC_02062011>{{cite news |title=Cameron's JNF split: it was Israel |url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/49789/camerons-jnf-split-it-was-israel |access-date=10 June 2011 |newspaper=The Jewish Chronicle |location=London |date=2 June 2011 |last=Rosen |first=Robyn |archive-date=6 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606064513/http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/49789/camerons-jnf-split-it-was-israel |url-status=live }}</ref>

In a speech in 2011, Cameron said: "You have a prime minister whose commitment and determination to work for peace in Israel is deep and strong. Britain will continue to push for peace, but will always stand up for Israel against those who wish her harm". He said he wanted to reaffirm his "unshakable" belief in Israel within the same message.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/54855/camerons-jewish-roots-inform-new-year-message |title=Cameron's Jewish roots inform New Year message |newspaper=The Jewish Chronicle |location=London |date=16 September 2011 |access-date=18 September 2012 |archive-date=15 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915011833/http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/54855/camerons-jewish-roots-inform-new-year-message |url-status=live }}</ref> He also voiced his opposition to the [[Goldstone Report]], claiming it had been biased against Israel and not enough blame had been placed on Hamas.

In March 2014, during his first visit to Israel as prime minister, Cameron addressed Israel's [[Knesset]] in [[Jerusalem]], where he offered his full support for peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians, hoping a two-state solution might be achieved.<ref name=speech>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-of-british-pm-david-camerons-knesset-speech/ "Full text of British PM David Cameron's Knesset speech"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302225653/https://www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-of-british-pm-david-camerons-knesset-speech/ |date=2 March 2023 }}. ''The Times of Israel'' (Jerusalem). 12 March 2014.</ref> He also made clear his rejection of trade or academic boycotts against Israel,<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-26526096 "Prime minister's belief in Israel 'unbreakable{{'"}}] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302224153/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-26526096 |date=2 March 2023 }}. BBC News. 12 March 2014.</ref> acknowledged Israel's right to defend its citizens as "a right enshrined in international law", and made note of the [[Balfour Declaration]] of 1917, as "the moment when the State of Israel went from a dream to a plan, Britain has played a proud and vital role in helping to secure Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people."<ref name=speech/> During his two-day visit, he met with Israeli prime minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] and with Palestinian Authority president [[Mahmoud Abbas]].<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/10692563/David-Cameron-tells-Israelis-about-his-Jewish-ancestors.html "David Cameron tells Israelis about his Jewish ancestors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026170210/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/10692563/David-Cameron-tells-Israelis-about-his-Jewish-ancestors.html |date=26 October 2017 }}. ''The Daily Telegraph'' (London). 12 March 2014.</ref> Senior Foreign Office minister [[Baroness Warsi]] resigned over the Cameron government's decision not to condemn Israel for the [[2014 Israel–Gaza conflict]], saying that the government's "approach and language during the current crisis in Gaza is morally indefensible."<ref>Wintour, Patrick (5 August 2014). [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/05/lady-warsi-resigns-government-gaza-stance "Lady Warsi resigns over UK's 'morally reprehensible' stance on Gaza"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103122444/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/05/lady-warsi-resigns-government-gaza-stance |date=3 November 2023 }}. ''The Guardian''.</ref>

====Military intervention in Iraq and Syria====
{{see also|William Hague#Syria}}
In August 2013, Cameron lost a motion in favour of bombing Syrian armed forces in response to the [[Ghouta chemical attack]], becoming the first prime minister to suffer such a foreign-policy defeat since 1782.<ref name="CHouse defeat">{{Cite news |last=Nelson |first=Fraser |author-link= Fraser Nelson |date=29 August 2013 |title=Cameron's historic defeat |url=http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/2013/08/camerons-defeat/ |work=The Spectator |publisher=Coffee House blog |access-date= 20 July 2015 |archive-date= 21 July 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150721180108/http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/2013/08/camerons-defeat/ |url-status= dead}}</ref> In September 2014, MPs passed a motion in favour of British planes joining, at the request of the Iraqi government, a bombing campaign against [[Islamic State]] (IS) targets in Iraq;<ref name="Graun first time">{{cite news |last=Norton-Taylor |first=Richard |date=30 September 2014 |title=RAF planes bomb Islamic State targets in Iraq for the first time |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/30/raf-planes-bomb-islamic-state-targets-iraq-first-time |work=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=20 July 2015 |archive-date=21 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721230408/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/30/raf-planes-bomb-islamic-state-targets-iraq-first-time |url-status=live }}</ref> the motion explicitly expressed parliament's disapproval of UK military action in Syria.<ref name="C4 Sep14 vote">{{cite news |title=MPs approve air strikes against IS in Iraq&nbsp;– is Syria next? |url=http://www.channel4.com/news/is-iraq-commons-vote-david-cameron-ed-miliband |work=Channel 4 News |date=26 September 2014 |access-date=25 July 2015 |archive-date=25 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725072729/http://www.channel4.com/news/is-iraq-commons-vote-david-cameron-ed-miliband |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron promised that, before expanding [[Operation Shader|UK air strikes and ground support]] to include IS units in Syria, he would seek parliamentary approval.<ref name="Times defiance">{{cite news |last=Haynes |first=Deborah |author-link=Deborah Haynes |date=17 July 2015 |title=British pilots bomb Syria in defiance of Commons vote |work=[[The Times]] |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/british-pilots-bomb-syria-in-defiance-of-commons-vote-g8spxgqwfjk |url-access=subscription |access-date=6 October 2021 |issn=0140-0460 |archive-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006190125/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/british-pilots-bomb-syria-in-defiance-of-commons-vote-g8spxgqwfjk |url-status=live }}</ref>

In July 2015, a [[Freedom of information in the United Kingdom|Freedom of Information]] (FOI) request by [[Reprieve (organisation)|Reprieve]] revealed that, without the knowledge of UK parliamentarians, RAF pilots had, in fact, been bombing targets in Syria, and that Cameron knew of this.<ref name = "Graun UK bombing Syria">{{cite news |last1=Halliday |first1=Josh |last2=MacAskill |first2=Ewen |author2-link=Ewen MacAskill |last3=Perraudin |first3=Frances |date=17 July 2015 |title=British pilots took part in anti-Isis bombing campaign in Syria |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/17/british-pilots-took-part-in-anti-isis-bombing-campaign-in-syria |work=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=20 July 2015 |archive-date=1 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101135346/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/17/british-pilots-took-part-in-anti-isis-bombing-campaign-in-syria |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="DTele as it happened">{{cite news |last1=Turner |first1=Camilla |last2=Swinford |first2=Steven |date=17 July 2015 |title=David Cameron 'knew British pilots were bombing Syria' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/11745689/British-pilots-in-air-strikes-against-Isil-in-Syria-live.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/11745689/British-pilots-in-air-strikes-against-Isil-in-Syria-live.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |access-date=20 July 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Prime Minister, along with Defence Secretary [[Michael Fallon]], faced strong criticism, including from Conservative MPs, for not informing the Commons about this deployment; the Ministry of Defence said that the pilots concerned were "embedded" with foreign military forces, and so were "effectively" operating as such, while Fallon denied that MPs had been, as he put it, "kept in the dark".<ref name="HuffPoUK break promise">{{cite news |last=Ridley |first=Louise |date=17 July 2015 |title=Syria Air Strikes By UK Pilots Break Cameron's Promise Of Vote On Military Intervention, Claims Tory MP |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/07/17/syria-air-strikes-uk-bombings_n_7816328.html |newspaper=[[The Huffington Post UK]] |access-date=20 July 2015 |archive-date=19 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719210550/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/07/17/syria-air-strikes-uk-bombings_n_7816328.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name = "Fallon quizzed">{{cite news |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |date=20 July 2015 |title=Tory and Labour MPs warn defence secretary against mission creep in Syria |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/20/tory-and-labour-mps-warn-defence-secretary-against-mission-creep-in-syria |work=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=25 July 2015 |archive-date=25 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725111410/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/20/tory-and-labour-mps-warn-defence-secretary-against-mission-creep-in-syria |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BBC Fallon denial">{{cite news |title=Fallon denies MPs 'kept in dark' about UK role in Syrian air strikes |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-33599610 |work=BBC News |date=20 July 2015 |access-date=25 July 2015 |archive-date=23 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723042128/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-33599610 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Reprieve FoI request also revealed that British drone pilots had been embedded, almost continuously, with American forces at [[Creech Air Force Base]] since 2008. These drone operators, who were "a gift of services", meaning the UK still paid their salaries and covered their expenses, had been carrying out operations that included reconnaissance in Syria to assist American strikes against IS.<ref name="Graun UK drone Syria">{{cite news |last=MacAskill |first=Ewen |date=22 July 2015 |title=RAF personnel assigned to US unit carrying out drone strikes against Isis |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/22/raf-personnel-assigned-us-unit-carrying-out-drone-strikes-reprieve-charity |work=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=24 July 2015 |archive-date=23 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723042111/http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/22/raf-personnel-assigned-us-unit-carrying-out-drone-strikes-reprieve-charity |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Vladimir Putin and David Cameron (2015-11-16) 01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Cameron and Russian president [[Vladimir Putin|Putin]] at the [[G20 Antalya summit]], Turkey, 16 November 2015]]

Fallon said that it was "illogical" for the UK not to bomb ISIL in Syria, for the organisation does not "differentiate between Syria and Iraq" and is "organised and directed and administered from Syria".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/01/uk-strategy-of-not-attacking-isis-in-syria-is-illogical-says-defence-secretary |title=UK strategy of not attacking Isis in Syria is illogical, says Decence Secretary |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=1 July 2015 |access-date=12 August 2015 |archive-date=5 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805052417/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/01/uk-strategy-of-not-attacking-isis-in-syria-is-illogical-says-defence-secretary |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the [[November 2015 Paris attacks|terrorist attacks on Paris]] in November 2015, for which Islamic State claimed responsibility, Cameron began pushing for a strategy for the [[Royal Air Force]] to bomb Syria in retaliation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-34897288 |title=David Cameron: World uniting to fight 'evil threat' of IS |work=BBC News |date=23 November 2015 |access-date=5 March 2016 |archive-date=2 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302153806/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-34897288 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron set out his case for military intervention to Parliament on 26 November, telling MPs that it was the only way to guarantee Britain's safety, and would be part of a "comprehensive" strategy to defeat IS.<ref name=BBC-2015-11-26>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34939109 |title=Jeremy Corbyn 'cannot support UK air strikes in Syria' |work=BBC News |date=26 November 2015 |access-date=27 November 2015 |archive-date=27 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127025540/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34939109 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 3 December 2015, MPs voted 397–223 in favour of launching air strikes against ISIL targets in Syria. The vote for military action was supported by all but seven members of the Parliamentary Conservative Party, as well as 66 Labour MPs who backed the government in defiance of their leader, [[Jeremy Corbyn]], who had expressed his opposition to air strikes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Syria air strikes: MPs authorise UK action against Islamic State |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-34989302 |work=BBC News |date=3 December 2015 |access-date=5 March 2016 |archive-date=26 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326005412/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-34989302 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2015 general election===
{{Main|2015 United Kingdom general election}}
On 7 May 2015, Cameron was re-elected UK prime minister with a majority in the Commons.<ref name=chaos>{{Cite tweet |author=David Cameron |user=david_cameron |number=595112367358406656 |title=Britain faces a simple and inescapable choice - stability and strong Government with me, or chaos with Ed Miliband}}</ref> The Conservative Party's decisive victory in the general election was a surprise, as most polls and commentators had suggested the outcome was too close to call and that the result would be a second hung parliament.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://gu.com/p/487bn |title=Labour has one-point lead over Tories in final Guardian/ICM poll |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=7 May 2015 |last=Clark |first=Tom }}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Cameron said of his first term when returned as prime minister for a second term that he was "proud to lead the first coalition government in 70 years" and offered particular thanks to Clegg for his role in it.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dathan |first=Matt |title=David Cameron to lead majority Conservative Government after extraordinary and unexpected night |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/election-results-david-cameron-on-course-to-lead-a-majority-conservative-government-after-10234750.html |access-date=5 March 2016 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=8 May 2015 |archive-date=23 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123205312/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/election-results-david-cameron-on-course-to-lead-a-majority-conservative-government-after-10234750.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Forming the first [[Second Cameron ministry|Conservative majority government]] since 1992, David Cameron became the first prime minister to be re-elected immediately after a full term with a larger popular vote share since [[Lord Salisbury]] at the [[1900 United Kingdom general election|1900 general election]].

In response to the November 2015 Paris attacks, Cameron secured the support of the House of Commons to extend air strikes against [[ISIS]] into Syria.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34989302 |title=Syria air strikes: MPs authorise UK action against Islamic State |work=BBC News |date=3 December 2015 |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=2 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202224918/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34989302 |url-status=live }}</ref> Earlier that year, Cameron had outlined a five-year strategy to counter Islamist extremism and subversive teachings.<ref>{{cite news |title=The four pillars of David Cameron's counter-extremism strategy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/20/the-four-pillars-of-david-camerons-counter-extremism-strategy |newspaper=The Guardian |date=20 July 2015 |access-date=14 October 2015 |archive-date=16 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016065151/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/20/the-four-pillars-of-david-camerons-counter-extremism-strategy |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2016 referendum and resignation===
[[File:David cameron annouces resignation.jpg|thumb|right|Cameron announcing his resignation as prime minister following the UK vote to leave EU membership.]]
As promised in the election manifesto, Cameron set a date for a [[2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum|referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union]], and announced that he would be campaigning for Britain to remain within a "reformed EU".<ref>{{cite news |title=EU referendum: Cameron sets June date for UK vote |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35621079 |access-date=5 March 2016 |publisher=BBC |date=20 February 2016 |archive-date=30 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830054302/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35621079 |url-status=live }}</ref> The terms of the UK's membership of the EU were [[UK renegotiation of EU membership, 2016|re-negotiated]], with agreement reached in February 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/cameron-to-make-statement-in-parliament-tomorrow/article8262733.ece |title=Cameron to make statement in Parliament tomorrow |date=21 February 2016 |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225164631/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/cameron-to-make-statement-in-parliament-tomorrow/article8262733.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> The option to leave came to be known as [[Brexit]] (a [[portmanteau]] of "British" and "exit").

The referendum was held on 23 June 2016. The result was approximately 52% in favour of leaving the European Union and 48% against, with a turnout of 72%.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/25/world/europe/britain-brexit-european-union-referendum.html |title=Britain Votes to Leave E.U., Stunning the World |last=Erlanger |first=Steven |date=23 June 2016 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=24 June 2016 |archive-date=24 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624045559/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/25/world/europe/britain-brexit-european-union-referendum.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/24/eu-referendum-results-live-brexit-wins-as-britain-votes-to-leave/ |title=EU referendum results live: Brexit wins as Britain votes to leave European Union |access-date=24 June 2016 |archive-date=24 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624072940/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/24/eu-referendum-results-live-brexit-wins-as-britain-votes-to-leave/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 24 June, a few hours after the results became known, Cameron announced that he would resign the office of prime minister by the start of the Conservative Party Conference in October 2016. In a speech the next day outside 10 Downing Street, he stated that, on account of his own advocacy on behalf of remaining in the EU: "I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination."<ref name=bbc36615028/><ref name="telegraph">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/24/eu-referendum-results-live-brexit-wins-as-britain-votes-to-leave/ |title=EU referendum live: David Cameron resigns as UK shocks the world by voting for Brexit |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624072940/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/24/eu-referendum-results-live-brexit-wins-as-britain-votes-to-leave/ |archive-date=24 June 2016 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=30 June 2016 |last=Hughes |first=Laura}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://soundcloud.com/guardianpoliticsweekly/prime-minister-david-camerons-statement-on-brexit |title=Guardian Politics Weekly Soundcloud: Prime Minister David Cameron's statement on Brexit |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813073255/https://soundcloud.com/guardianpoliticsweekly/prime-minister-david-camerons-statement-on-brexit |url-status=live }}</ref>

There was some strong criticism made of Cameron and his government following the referendum. Matthew Norman, in an opinion piece in ''The Independent'', called the referendum an act of "indescribably selfish recklessness."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/david-cameron-resigns-resignation-next-prime-minister-brexit-eu-referendum-result-a7100076.html |title=David Cameron will go down in history as the Prime Minister who killed his country |work=The Independent |first=Matthew |last=Norman |date=24 June 2016 |access-date=27 June 2016 |archive-date=20 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033151/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/david-cameron-resigns-resignation-next-prime-minister-brexit-eu-referendum-result-a7100076.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In late July, Parliament's Foreign Affairs Select Committee was told that Cameron had refused to allow the Civil Service to make plans for Brexit, a decision the committee described as "an act of gross negligence."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jul/20/david-cameron-accused-gross-negligence-brexit-contingency-plans |title=Cameron accused of 'gross negligence' over Brexit contingency plans |work=The Guardian |first=Patrick |last=Wintour |date=20 July 2016 |access-date=21 July 2016 |archive-date=10 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110140515/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jul/20/david-cameron-accused-gross-negligence-brexit-contingency-plans |url-status=live }}</ref> His farewell speech as he left No. 10 accompanied by his family stressed the value of selfless public service.<ref name=dtfs>{{cite news |last=Hughes |first=Laura |title=Whitehall mandarins block "cronies" honours list over ethical concerns |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/22/whitehall-blocks-david-camerons-cronies-honours-list-over-ethica/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/22/whitehall-blocks-david-camerons-cronies-honours-list-over-ethica/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=22 July 2016 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=22 July 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The [[2016 Conservative Party leadership election|Conservative Party leadership election]] was scheduled for 9 September and the new leader was expected to be in place by the autumn conference, set to begin on 2 October.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36640889 |title=New Tory leader 'should be in place by 9 September' |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=28 June 2016 |work=BBC News |access-date=29 June 2016 |archive-date=28 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628152029/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36640889 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 11 July, following the withdrawal of [[Andrea Leadsom]] from the Conservative Party leadership election and the confirmation of [[Theresa May]] as the new [[Leader of the Conservative Party (UK)|leader of the Conservative Party]], Cameron announced he would hold a final cabinet meeting on 12 July and then, following a final Prime Minister's Questions, submit his resignation to the Queen on the afternoon of 13 July. After his final Prime Minister's Questions, Cameron received a standing ovation from MPs; his final comment was, "I was the future once"—a reference to his 2005 quip to [[Tony Blair]], "he was the future once". Cameron then submitted his resignation to the Queen later that day.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.royal.uk/resignation-right-honourable-david-cameron-mp-prime-minister |title=Resignation of The Right Honourable David Cameron MP as Prime Minister |last=Adam.Vallance |newspaper=The Royal Family |date=12 July 2016 |access-date=17 July 2016 |archive-date=18 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818171904/https://www.royal.uk/resignation-right-honourable-david-cameron-mp-prime-minister |url-status=live }}</ref>

Although no longer serving as prime minister, Cameron originally stated that he would continue inside Parliament, on the Conservative [[backbench]]es.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Cameron bows out of his final PMQs |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/13/david-cameron-resigns-theresa-may-queen-prime-minister-live/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/13/david-cameron-resigns-theresa-may-queen-prime-minister-live/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London, UK |date=13 July 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 12 September, however, he announced that he was resigning his seat with immediate effect,<ref name="resign-mp-bbc">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37342152 |title=David Cameron quits as Conservative MP for Witney |work=[[BBC News]] |date=12 September 2016 |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-date=12 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912175227/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37342152 |url-status=live }}</ref> and was appointed to the [[Manor of Northstead]]. He was succeeded as MP for Witney by fellow Conservative [[Robert Courts]].<ref name="Witney Gazette">{{cite news |url=http://www.witneygazette.co.uk/news/14815246.AS_IT_HAPPENED__Conservative_Robert_Courts_elected_as_Witney_s_new_MP/ |title=AS IT HAPPENED: Witney by-election count and results |author=Oliver, Matt |work=Witney Gazette |date=21 October 2016 |access-date=24 September 2019 |archive-date=21 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421145937/https://www.witneygazette.co.uk/news/14815246.happened-witney-by-election-count-results/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Washington Post'' described him as having "sped away without glancing back" once [[Theresa May]] had "vaulted herself out of the hurricane-strength political wreckage of Britain's vote to leave the European Union."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/what-does-brexit-mean-with-divorce-talks-looming-britain-still-doesnt-have-a-clue/2016/09/16/b2cb7718-79d1-11e6-8064-c1ddc8a724bb_story.html |title=What does Brexit mean? With divorce talks looming, Britain still doesn't have a clue. |last=Witte |first=Griff |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=17 September 2016 |access-date=18 September 2016 |archive-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206062751/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/what-does-brexit-mean-with-divorce-talks-looming-britain-still-doesnt-have-a-clue/2016/09/16/b2cb7718-79d1-11e6-8064-c1ddc8a724bb_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Political views and image==
{{main|Political positions of David Cameron}}

===Self-description of views===
Cameron described himself in December 2005 as a "modern [[compassionate conservative]]" and spoke of a need for a new style of politics, saying that he was "fed up with the [[Punch and Judy]] politics of [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Westminster]]".<ref>{{cite news |author-link=Jonathan Freedland |last=Freedland |first=Jonathan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/dec/07/conservatives.toryleadership20051 |title=Enough of this love-in: Bush was a compassionate conservative too |newspaper=The Guardian |date=7 December 2005 |access-date=6 November 2006 |location=London |archive-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021003557/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/dec/07/conservatives.toryleadership20051 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was "certainly a big [[Margaret Thatcher|Thatcher]] fan, but I don't know whether that makes me a Thatcherite",<ref name="new identity">{{cite news |title=Cameron: Tories need new identity |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4446864.stm |work=BBC News |date=17 November 2005 |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-date=28 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828001635/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4446864.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> saying he was a "[[liberal Conservative]]", though "not a deeply ideological person."<ref name="Rawnsley">{{cite news |last=Rawnsley |first=Andrew |author-link=Andrew Rawnsley |title='I'm not a deeply ideological person. I'm a practical one' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/dec/18/conservatives.interviews |work=[[The Observer]] |location=London |date=18 December 2005 |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-date=3 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603025950/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/dec/18/conservatives.interviews |url-status=live }}</ref> As leader of the opposition, Cameron asserted that he did not intend to oppose the government as a matter of course, and would offer his support in areas of agreement. He has urged politicians to concentrate more on improving people's happiness and "general well-being", instead of focusing solely on "financial wealth".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5003314.stm |title=Make people happier, says Cameron |work=BBC News |date=22 May 2006 |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-date=6 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806143722/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5003314.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> There were claims that he described himself to journalists at a dinner during the leadership contest as the "heir to Blair".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,17129-1811591,00.html |title=Horror as Cameron brandishes the B word |last=Pierce |first=Andrew |work=The Times |location=London |date=5 October 2005 |access-date=25 November 2006 |archive-date=9 January 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060109185617/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,17129-1811591,00.html |url-status=live }}{{subscription required}}</ref>

In his first Conservative conference speech as party leader in Bournemouth in 2006, he described the National Health Service as "one of the 20th Century's greatest achievements". He went on to say: "[[Tony Blair]] explained his priorities in three words: education, education, education. I can do it in three letters: N.H.S." He also talked about his severely disabled son, Ivan, concluding: "So, for me, it is not just a question of saying the NHS is safe in my hands—of course it will be. My family is so often in the hands of the NHS, so I want them to be safe there."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5403798.stm |title=NHS safe in my hands says Cameron |work=BBC News |date=4 October 2006 |access-date=6 July 2014 |archive-date=12 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512191706/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5403798.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Merkel Obama Cameron G8 2011.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Cameron talking with US president [[Barack Obama|Obama]] and German chancellor [[Merkel]] at [[Deauville]], France, 25 May 2011]]
Cameron said that he believed in "spreading freedom and democracy, and supporting humanitarian intervention" in cases such as the [[genocide]] in [[Darfur]], Sudan. However, he rejected [[neoconservatism]] because, as a conservative, he recognises "the complexities of [[human nature]], and will always be sceptical of grand schemes to remake the world."<ref name="party speech">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5407714.stm |title=In full: Cameron speech |work=BBC News |date=4 October 2006 |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009155445/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5407714.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> A supporter of multilateralism, as "a country may act alone—but it cannot always succeed alone", he believes multilateralism can take the form of acting through "[[NATO]], the UN, the [[G8]], the EU and other institutions", or through international [[Military alliance|alliance]]s.<ref name="foreign policy">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5336082.stm |title=In full: Cameron on foreign policy |work=BBC News |date=11 September 2006 |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-date=3 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603221020/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5336082.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron said: "If the West is to help other countries, we must do so from a position of genuine moral authority" and "we must strive above all for [[legitimacy (political)|legitimacy]] in what we do."<ref name="foreign policy"/>

He believes that [[British Muslim]]s have a duty to [[Cultural assimilation|integrate]] into British culture, but noted in an article published in 2007, that the Muslim community finds aspects such as high divorce rates and drug use uninspiring, and: "Not for the first time, I found myself thinking that it is mainstream Britain which needs to integrate more with the British Asian way of life, not the other way around."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2007/may/13/comment.communities |last=Cameron |first=David |title=What I learnt from my stay with a Muslim family |work=The Observer |date=13 May 2007 |access-date=13 April 2010 |location=London |archive-date=26 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826002648/http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2007/may/13/comment.communities |url-status=live }}</ref> In his first speech as PM on radicalisation and the causes of terrorism in February 2011, Cameron said that "state [[multiculturalism]]" had failed.<ref>{{cite news |title=State multiculturalism has failed, says David Cameron |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12371994 |work=BBC News |date=5 February 2011 |access-date=5 February 2011 |archive-date=6 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110206050919/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12371994 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2010, he appointed the first Muslim member of the British cabinet, Baroness Warsi, as a minister without portfolio, and in 2012 made her a special minister of state in foreign affairs. She resigned, however, in August 2014 over the government's handling of the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict.

While urging members of his party to support the coalition's proposals for [[Same-sex marriage in England and Wales|same-sex marriage]], Cameron said that he backed gay marriage not in spite of his conservatism, but because he is a conservative, and claimed it was about equality.<ref name="pinknews-2011">{{cite news |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/10/05/david-cameron-urges-tories-to-back-gay-marriage/ |title=David Cameron urges Tories to back gay marriage |last=Green |first=Jessica |work=[[Pink News]] |date=5 October 2011 |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-date=2 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702112058/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/10/05/david-cameron-urges-tories-to-back-gay-marriage/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2012, Cameron publicly apologised for Thatcher-era policies on homosexuality, specifically the introduction of the controversial [[Section 28]] of the [[Local Government Act 1988]], which he described as "a mistake".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/british-conservatives-lead-charge-for-gay-marriage/2012/03/29/gIQAzatzjS_story.html |title=British Conservatives lead charge for gay marriage |first=Anthony |last=Faiola |date=29 March 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=26 August 2017 |archive-date=10 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310095946/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/british-conservatives-lead-charge-for-gay-marriage/2012/03/29/gIQAzatzjS_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Home affairs===
====Poverty====
{{See also|Political positions of David Cameron#Welfare}}
In 2006, Cameron described poverty as a "moral disgrace"<ref>Mulholland, Hélène (24 November 2006). [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2006/nov/24/conservatives.socialexclusion "Cameron: poverty is a 'moral disgrace{{'"}}] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224033950/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2006/nov/24/conservatives.socialexclusion |date=24 December 2016 }}. ''The Guardian'' (London).</ref> and promised to tackle [[poverty#Relative poverty|relative poverty]].<ref name=GeorgeEaton>Eaton, George (24 June 2015). [http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2015/06/david-cameron-has-retreated-his-promises-child-poverty-will-it-cost-him "David Cameron has retreated from his promises on child poverty&nbsp;– but will it cost him?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701003101/http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2015/06/david-cameron-has-retreated-his-promises-child-poverty-will-it-cost-him |date=1 July 2015 }}. ''New Statesman'' (London).</ref> In 2007, Cameron promised: "We can make British poverty history, and we will make British poverty history". Also, in 2007, he stated: "Ending child poverty is central to improving child well-being".<ref>[http://www.cpag.org.uk/ending-child-poverty-by-2020 "Ending child poverty by 2020"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721030925/http://www.cpag.org.uk/ending-child-poverty-by-2020 |date=21 July 2015 }}. Child Poverty Action Group. n.d.</ref> In 2015, [[Polly Toynbee]] questioned Cameron's commitment to tackling poverty, contrasting his earlier statements agreeing that "poverty is relative" with proposals to change the government's poverty measure, and saying that cuts in [[George Osborne#2015–present|child tax credits]] would increase child poverty among low-paid working families.<ref>Toynbee, Polly (2 July 2015). [https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/02/david-cameron-abolishes-poverty-poor "David Cameron abolishes poverty, just like that"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224035642/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/02/david-cameron-abolishes-poverty-poor |date=24 December 2016 }}. ''The Guardian'' (London).</ref> Cameron denied that austerity had contributed to the [[2011 England riots]], instead blaming street gangs and opportunistic looters.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Cameron denies austerity drive caused UK riots |last1=Abbas |first1=Mohammed |last2=Croft |first2=Adrian |work=Reuters |date=11 August 2011 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-riot/cameron-denies-austerity-drive-caused-uk-riots-idUSTRE7760G820110811 |access-date=25 November 2018 |archive-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029030959/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-riot/cameron-denies-austerity-drive-caused-uk-riots-idUSTRE7760G820110811 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====LGBT rights====
In 2010, Cameron was given a score of 36% in favour of lesbian, gay and bisexual equality by [[Stonewall (charity)|Stonewall]].<ref>[http://www.stonewall.org.uk/ "MPs' voting records"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302191519/http://stonewall.org.uk/ |date=2 March 2013 }}. Stonewall. 2010.</ref> Prior to 2005, Cameron was opposed to gay rights, calling it a "fringe agenda" and attacking Prime Minister Tony Blair for "moving heaven and earth to allow the promotion of homosexuality in our schools" by repealing the anti-gay Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988.<ref name="Let's talk about sex">{{cite news |first=Johann |last=Hari |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/lets-talk-about-sex-johann-hari-grills-david-cameron-over-gay-rights-1888688.html |title=Let's talk about sex: Johann Hari grills David Cameron over gay rights |work=The Independent |date=4 February 2010 |access-date=26 August 2017 |archive-date=6 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706194607/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/lets-talk-about-sex-johann-hari-grills-david-cameron-over-gay-rights-1888688.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron is recorded by [[Hansard]] as having voted against same-sex adoption rights in 2002, but he denies this, claiming he abstained from the [[three-line whip]] imposed on him by his party. In 2008, he wanted lesbians who receive IVF treatment to be required to name a father figure, which received condemnation from [[LGBT]] equality groups.<ref name="Let's talk about sex"/> However, Cameron supported commitment for gay couples in a 2005 speech, and in October 2011 urged Conservative MPs to support gay marriage.<ref name="pinknews-2011"/>

In November 2012, Cameron and Nick Clegg agreed to fast-track legislation for introducing same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/11/22/source-david-cameron-to-introduce-equal-marriage-legislation-within-weeks/ |title=Source: David Cameron to introduce equal marriage legislation within weeks |work=[[Pink News]] |last=Roberts |first=Scott |date=22 November 2012 |access-date=28 December 2012 |archive-date=6 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106183157/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/11/22/source-david-cameron-to-introduce-equal-marriage-legislation-within-weeks/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron stated that he wanted to give religious groups the ability to host gay marriage ceremonies, and that he did not want to exclude gay people from a "great institution".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-20642428 |title=Gay marriage: David Cameron backs church role |work=BBC News |date=7 December 2012 |access-date=13 September 2016 |archive-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923194038/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-20642428 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, the [[Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013]] became law despite opposition from more than half of his fellow Conservative MPs, including Cabinet ministers [[Owen Paterson]] and [[David Jones (Clwyd West MP)|David Jones]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21346220 |title=Gay marriage: MPs back bill despite Conservative backbench opposition |date=5 February 2013 |access-date=30 March 2013 |work=BBC News |archive-date=27 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227195447/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21346220 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also subsequently appointed two women who had voted against same-sex marriage as ministers in the [[Government Equalities Office]], [[Nicky Morgan]] and [[Caroline Dinenage]] following the 2015 general election.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/12/david-cameron-appoints-another-gay-marriage-opponent-to-equalities-office |title=Cameron appoints another gay marriage opponent to Equalities Office |work=The Guardian |last=Mason |first=Rowena |date=12 May 2015 |access-date=13 September 2016 |archive-date=24 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224035728/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/12/david-cameron-appoints-another-gay-marriage-opponent-to-equalities-office |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2013, he rejected calls by [[Stephen Fry]] and others to strip Russia from hosting the [[2014 Winter Olympics]] due to its anti-gay laws.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-23645141 |title=Fry's Russia Winter Olympics switch call rejected by PM |work=BBC News |date=10 August 2013 |access-date=13 September 2016 |archive-date=24 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924055327/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-23645141 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron did not attend the games, but denied it was a boycott in protest at Russia's laws, having previously raised the issue of gay rights in the country with [[Vladimir Putin]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-to-skip-sochi-olympics--but-insists-its-not-a-boycott-9019066.html |title=David Cameron to skip Sochi Olympics&nbsp;– but insists it's not a boycott |work=The Independent |date=20 December 2013 |access-date=8 February 2014 |location=London |first1=Andrew |last1=Grice |first2=Oliver |last2=Wright |archive-date=23 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223055000/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-to-skip-sochi-olympics--but-insists-its-not-a-boycott-9019066.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Marriage and family values====
In 2009, Cameron said "the restoration of family values and a new commitment to economic and social responsibility" were "key to repairing 'broken Britain{{'"}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/5070968/David-Cameron-family-values-the-key-to-responsible-society.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/5070968/David-Cameron-family-values-the-key-to-responsible-society.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=David Cameron: family values the key to responsible society |first=Rosa |last=Prince |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=29 March 2009 |access-date=19 September 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In 2013 Cameron described himself as "a marriage man, I am a great supporter of marriage. I want to promote marriage, defend marriage, encourage marriage." As such, he rejected calls from Conservative MP [[Christopher Chope]] to extend [[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|civil partnership]] rights to heterosexual couples, saying: "I think we should be promoting marriage rather than looking at any other way of weakening it."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/feb/06/pm-straight-couples-civil-partnerships |title=Gay marriage: PM rejects call to allow civil partnerships for straight couples |work=The Guardian |first=Nicholas |last=Watt |location=London |date=6 February 2013 |access-date=10 February 2014 |archive-date=23 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223010444/http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/feb/06/pm-straight-couples-civil-partnerships |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, the [[Supreme Court of the United Kingdom|Supreme Court]] ruled unanimously that this position was discriminatory.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50953410 |title=Civil partnerships: First mixed-sex unions take place |work=BBC News |date=31 December 2019 |access-date=19 September 2020 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629211235/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50953410 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Comments on other parties and politicians====
Cameron criticised Gordon Brown (when Brown was Chancellor of the Exchequer) for being "an analogue politician in a digital age" and referred to him as "the roadblock to reform".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4833440.stm |title=Cameron attacks 'past it' Brown |work=BBC News |date=22 March 2006 |access-date=6 November 2006 |archive-date=23 December 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061223032442/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4833440.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> As prime minister, he reacted to press reports that Brown could be the next head of the [[International Monetary Fund]] by hinting that he may block the appointment, citing the huge national debt that Brown left the country with as a reason for Brown not being suitable for the role.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13127225 |work=BBC News |title=Cameron hints at blocking Brown bid for IMF job |date=19 April 2011 |access-date=25 November 2018 |archive-date=26 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126010343/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13127225 |url-status=live }}</ref>

He said that [[John Prescott]] "clearly looks a fool" after Prescott's personal indiscretions were revealed in spring 2006, and wondered if the Deputy Prime Minister had broken the ministerial code.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4964082.stm |title=Cameron: Prescott looks a 'fool' |work=BBC News |date=2 May 2006 |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-date=20 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920035903/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4964082.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> During a speech to the Ethnic Media Conference in November 2006, Cameron also described [[Ken Livingstone]], the [[mayor of London]], as an "ageing far left politician" following Livingstone's criticism of [[Trevor Phillips]], head of the Commission for Racial Equality.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6157517.stm |title=Cameron attacks 'outdated' mayor |work=BBC News |date=30 November 2006 |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-date=19 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119231518/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6157517.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:British PMs 2011.png|thumb|Cameron with his predecessors [[Gordon Brown]], Tony Blair, [[John Major]] and Deputy PM [[Nick Clegg]], during President Barack Obama's address in Westminster Hall, 10 June 2011]]

In January 2007, Cameron made a speech in which he described extremist [[Islam]]ic organisations and the [[British National Party]] as "mirror images" to each other, both preaching "creeds of pure hatred".<ref>{{cite news |last=Mulholland |first=Hélène |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2007/jan/29/religion.politics |title=Muslim extremists are mirror image of BNP, says Cameron |work=The Guardian |date=29 January 2007 |access-date=13 April 2010 |location=London |archive-date=31 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831003959/http://www.theguardian.com/society/2007/jan/29/religion.politics |url-status=live }}</ref> Cameron is listed as being a supporter of [[Unite Against Fascism]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uaf.org.uk/about/founding-signatories/ |title=Founding signatories |publisher=Unite Against Fascism|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605122524/http://uaf.org.uk/about/founding-signatories/|archive-date=5 June 2010|access-date=17 April 2010}}</ref>

In April 2006, Cameron accused the [[UK Independence Party]] of being "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists, mostly",<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4875502.stm |title=UKIP and Cameron's war of words |last=Assinder |first=Nick |work=BBC News |date=4 April 2006 |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-date=11 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011162748/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4875502.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> leading UKIP MEP [[Nigel Farage]] (who became leader in September of that year) to demand an apology for the remarks. Right-wing Conservative MP [[Bob Spink]], who later defected to UKIP, also criticised the remarks,<ref name="spink">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1514976/Tory-MP-defends-Ukip-in-racist-row.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1514976/Tory-MP-defends-Ukip-in-racist-row.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Tory MP defends Ukip in racist row |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |last=Carlin |first=Brendan |date=6 April 2006 |access-date=12 September 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> as did ''The Daily Telegraph''.<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/3624131/UKIP-deserves-better.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/3624131/UKIP-deserves-better.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=UKIP deserves better |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=5 April 2006|access-date=12 September 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Cameron was seen encouraging Conservative MPs to join the [[standing ovation]] given to [[Tony Blair]] at the end of his last Prime Minister's Question Time; he had paid tribute to the "huge efforts" Blair had made and said Blair had "considerable achievements to his credit, whether it is peace in Northern Ireland or his work in the developing world, which will endure".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6245346.stm |title=Cameron praises Blair achievement |work=BBC News |date=27 June 2007 |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-date=11 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011000029/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6245346.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2015, after the election of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader, Cameron called the party a "threat" to British national and economic security, on the basis of Corbyn's defence and fiscal policies.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Jon |title=David Cameron claims Jeremy Corbyn is a 'threat to national security' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-claims-jeremy-corbyn-is-a-threat-to-national-security-10498651.html |access-date=23 September 2015 |work=The Independent |date=13 September 2015 |archive-date=25 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925151505/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-claims-jeremy-corbyn-is-a-threat-to-national-security-10498651.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===="Dodgy Dave" moniker====
In April 2016, then Labour MP for Bolsover, [[Dennis Skinner]] was reprimanded by House Speaker John Bercow for referring to Cameron as 'Dodgy Dave' (related to Skinner's contention of Cameron's dishonesty) in a parliamentary debate about the [[Panama Papers]]. Skinner was instructed by Bercow to repeat his question without referring to Cameron using the adjective 'dodgy'. When Skinner repeated his question, once again referring to Cameron as 'Dodgy Dave', he was ordered to leave parliament for the remainder of that day's session.<ref>{{cite news|title=David Cameron Questioned After Panama Papers Uproar|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/live/david-cameron-speech/dodgy-dave-remarks-draws-rebuke/|access-date=14 December 2023|date=11 April 2016|archive-date=14 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214163857/https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/live/david-cameron-speech/dodgy-dave-remarks-draws-rebuke/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Dennis Skinner Gets Thrown Out Of Commons For Calling Cameron 'Dodgy Dave'|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/dennis-skinner-gets-thrown-out-of-commons-for-calling-cameron-dodgy-dave_uk_570bc0cae4b0fa55639d7523|access-date=17 December 2023|date=11 April 2016|archive-date=18 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218083226/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/dennis-skinner-gets-thrown-out-of-commons-for-calling-cameron-dodgy-dave_uk_570bc0cae4b0fa55639d7523|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2016, Skinner once again referred to Cameron as 'Dodgy Dave' in parliament; however, this time he was not reprimanded, or asked to leave.<ref>{{cite news|title=Celebrities Dennis Skinner just called Cameron 'Dodgy Dave' again at PMQs|url=https://www.indy100.com/celebrities/dennis-skinner-just-called-david-cameron-dodgy-dave-again-at-pmqs-7301551|access-date=14 December 2023|date=6 July 2023|archive-date=14 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214161126/https://www.indy100.com/celebrities/dennis-skinner-just-called-david-cameron-dodgy-dave-again-at-pmqs-7301551|url-status=live}}</ref>

"Dodgy Dave" has gained usage in the media, and on social media, when Cameron is being referred to disparagingly.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dennis Skinner's infamous 'dodgy Dave' comment resurfaces amid David Cameron return |url=https://www.indy100.com/politics/dennis-skinner-dodgy-dave-greensill |access-date=14 December 2023 |date=14 November 2023 |archive-date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214161126/https://www.indy100.com/politics/dennis-skinner-dodgy-dave-greensill |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Return of Dodgy Dave and the Exile of Suella Braverman |url=https://www.irishnews.com/opinion/columnists/2023/11/18/news/jake_o_kane_the_return_of_dodgy_dave_cameron_and_the_exile_of_suella_braverman-3777330/ |access-date=18 December 2023 |date=18 November 2023 |archive-date=18 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218131341/https://www.irishnews.com/opinion/columnists/2023/11/18/news/jake_o_kane_the_return_of_dodgy_dave_cameron_and_the_exile_of_suella_braverman-3777330/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Return of Dodgy Dave |url=https://www.irishnews.com/opinion/columnists/2023/11/18/news/jake_o_kane_the_return_of_dodgy_dave_cameron_and_the_exile_of_suella_braverman-3777330/ |access-date=18 December 2023 |date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=18 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218131341/https://www.irishnews.com/opinion/columnists/2023/11/18/news/jake_o_kane_the_return_of_dodgy_dave_cameron_and_the_exile_of_suella_braverman-3777330/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="news.sky.com">{{cite news |title=David Cameron lobbying: Bank of England documents suggest 'Dodgy Dave' turned to 'Desperate Dave' over Greensill |url=https://news.sky.com/story/david-cameron-lobbying-bank-of-england-documents-suggest-dodgy-dave-turned-to-desperate-dave-over-greensill-12284033 |access-date=22 April 2021 |date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=22 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422172832/http://news.sky.com/story/david-cameron-lobbying-bank-of-england-documents-suggest-dodgy-dave-turned-to-desperate-dave-over-greensill-12284033 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Which Nickname Should David Cameron be Remembered By |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/mvnx4q/dodgy-dave-remembered-by |access-date=13 April 2016 |date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108134332/http://www.vice.com/en/article/mvnx4q/dodgy-dave-remembered-by |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Foreign affairs===
====Iraq War====
In an interview on ''[[Friday Night with Jonathan Ross]]'' in 2006, Cameron said that he supported the decision of the then Labour Government to go to [[2003 invasion of Iraq|war in Iraq]], and said that he thought supporters should "see it through".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5108584.stm |title=Cameron backs Blair on Iraq war |work=BBC News |date=23 June 2006 |access-date=20 December 2013 |archive-date=20 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820132037/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5108584.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He also supported a motion brought by the SNP and Plaid Cymru in 2006, calling for an inquiry into the government's conduct of the Iraq war. In 2011, he oversaw the withdrawal of British soldiers from Iraq. He repeatedly called for the [[Chilcot Inquiry]] into the Iraq war to conclude and publish its findings, saying: "People want to know the truth".<ref>{{cite news |last=MacAskill |first=Ewan |title=David Cameron pushes Chilcot for Iraq report: 'We want this inquiry finished' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/aug/21/david-cameron-pushes-chilcot-iraq-report-we-want-this-inquiry-finished |access-date=27 September 2015 |work=The Guardian |date=21 August 2015 |archive-date=27 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927234056/http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/aug/21/david-cameron-pushes-chilcot-iraq-report-we-want-this-inquiry-finished |url-status=live }}</ref>

====India====
Cameron was a strong advocate of increased ties between India and the United Kingdom, describing [[India–United Kingdom relations|Indian–British relations]] as the "New [[Special Relationship]]" in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=Does India want a 'special relationship' with UK? |first=Chris |last=Morris |author-link=Chris Morris (journalist) |work=BBC News |date=27 July 2010 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-10782552 |access-date=25 November 2018 |archive-date=5 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205044437/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-10782552 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ministers to build a new 'special relationship' with India |first=Dean |last=Nelson |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=7 July 2010 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/7877719/Ministers-to-build-a-new-special-relationship-with-India.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100721012315/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/7877719/Ministers-to-build-a-new-special-relationship-with-India.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 21 July 2010}}</ref>

In October 2012, as [[Narendra Modi]] rose to prominence in India, the UK rescinded its boycott of the then-[[Gujarat]] state Chief Minister over [[2002 Gujarat riots|religious riots in Gujarat]] in 2002 that left more than 2,000 dead,<ref>{{cite news |title=UK government ends boycott of Narendra Modi |first=Jason |last=Burke |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/oct/22/uk-ends-boycott-narendra-modi |date=22 October 2012 |access-date=12 May 2013 |archive-date=14 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914031502/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/oct/22/uk-ends-boycott-narendra-modi |url-status=live }}</ref> and in November 2013, Cameron commented that he was "open" to meeting Modi.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/14/david-cameron-open-meeting-narendra-modi |title=Cameron open to meeting Indian Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi |last=Mason |first=Rowena |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=14 November 2013 |access-date=11 December 2016 |archive-date=24 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224032843/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/14/david-cameron-open-meeting-narendra-modi |url-status=live }}</ref> Modi was later elected as prime minister in a landslide majority, leading to Cameron calling Modi and congratulating him on the "election success",<ref>{{cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/barack-obama-dials-modi-modi/ |title=Barack Obama dials Modi |last=Roy |first=Shubhajit |work=[[The Indian Express]] |location=Mumbai |date=17 May 2014 |access-date=21 May 2014 |archive-date=20 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520004729/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/barack-obama-dials-modi-modi/? |url-status=live }}</ref> one of the first Western leaders to do so.<ref name="nytimes1">{{cite news |url=http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/19/in-modis-twitter-diplomacy-some-notable-omissions/ |title=In Modi's Twitter Diplomacy, A Notable Omission |last=Najar |first=Nida |work=The New York Times (blog) |date=19 May 2014 |access-date=31 May 2014 |archive-date=27 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527222829/http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/19/in-modis-twitter-diplomacy-some-notable-omissions/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===== China =====
In October 2015, [[Xi Jinping]], the [[president of the People's Republic of China]], paid a [[State visit by Xi Jinping to the United Kingdom|state visit to the United Kingdom]] under the Premiership of Cameron. Episodes, such as the Chinese leader famously having a pint with Cameron at a local pub in Buckinghamshire,<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 December 2016 |title=Chinese buy President Xi and David Cameron visit pub |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-38212539 |access-date=17 November 2023 |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117075642/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-38212539 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Queen Elizabeth hailing the visit as "milestone" during state banquet,<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 October 2015 |title=Xi Jinping visit: UK-China ties 'will be lifted to new height' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-34571436 |access-date=17 November 2023 |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117075640/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-34571436 |url-status=live }}</ref> symbolised the increased cordiality between China and the United Kingdom under Cameron, in spite of the controversies around the state visit and the concerns with China's superpower status. The state visit was the third formal Anglo–Chinese diplomatic meetings, which involves either head of states or head of governments, following Cameron's visit to China in 2013 and then–Premier [[Li Keqiang]]'s UK visit in 2014; the year 2015 alone also marked an unprecedented level of bilateral meetings and visits.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 October 2015 |title=觀點：中英開創兩國關係「黃金期」 |url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/china/2015/10/151016_viewpoint_china_uk_relations_golden-year |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=BBC News 中文 |language=zh-hant |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117075640/https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/china/2015/10/151016_viewpoint_china_uk_relations_golden-year |url-status=live }}</ref>

The unprecedented level of relations with China has also led many, including the PRC and Cameron himself, marking his premiership as a "golden-era" of UK–China relations, where bilateral cooperations raising to its apex. The UK government was even seen expressing interests in participating in Chinese diplomatic projects under Xi Jinping, such as the [[Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank]] (AIIB) and the [[Belt and Road Initiative]] (BRI).<ref>{{Cite web |title=A "Golden Era" for China–UK Relations |url=https://www.chinausfocus.com/foreign-policy/a-golden-era-for-chinauk-relations |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=China-US Focus |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117075644/https://www.chinausfocus.com/foreign-policy/a-golden-era-for-chinauk-relations |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2023, upon Cameron's appointment as foreign secretary, eight years apart from the state visit of Xi, he was associating by media outlets, home and abroad, with the keyword "golden era",<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 October 2015 |title=China, Britain to benefit from 'golden era' in ties - Cameron |language=en-US |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.comarticle/idUSKCN0SB10L-OCATP/ |access-date=17 November 2023 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> even dubbing Cameron himself as "Lord Golden Era",<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 November 2023 |title=Lord 'Golden Era' Cameron returneth |url=https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/china-watcher/lord-golden-era-cameron-returneth/ |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=POLITICO |language=en |archive-date=20 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220064451/https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/china-watcher/lord-golden-era-cameron-returneth/ |url-status=live }}</ref> prompting concerns over the stances of the Sunak government towards China as the latter welcomes Cameron's appointment as foreign secretary.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hawkins |first=Amy |date=15 November 2023 |title=Concerns as China welcomes David Cameron's return as foreign secretary |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/nov/15/concerns-as-china-welcomes-david-camerons-return-as-foreign-secretary |access-date=17 November 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117003806/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/nov/15/concerns-as-china-welcomes-david-camerons-return-as-foreign-secretary |url-status=live }}</ref>

===== Russia =====

In the years after Cameron became UK prime minister, UK relations with Russia initially showed a marked improvement. In 2011, Cameron visited Russia, and in 2012, Putin visited the UK for the first time in seven years, holding talks with Cameron, and also visiting the [[2012 London Olympics]] together.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/aug/02/cameron-putin|title=Vladimir Putin and David Cameron find common ground but no action on Syria|date=2 August 2012|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=11 December 2023|archive-date=3 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203084413/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/aug/02/cameron-putin|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2013, Cameron flew to meet Putin at his summer residence in [[Sochi]], Bocharov Ruchei, to hold talks on the [[Syria]] crisis. Cameron described the talks as "very substantive, purposeful and useful", and the leaders exchanged presents with each other. At that time, it was suggested that Cameron could use his good relations with both US president [[Barack Obama]], and President Putin to act as a 'go-between' in international relations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/david-cameron-hails-talks-russia-1881465 |title=David Cameron hails talks with Russia over Syria as 'purposeful and useful' |date=10 May 2013 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=3 December 2023 |archive-date=3 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203091836/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/david-cameron-hails-talks-russia-1881465 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Cameron's relations to Russia soured drastically following the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]]. Cameron criticised the [[2014 Crimean status referendum]] as a "sham", with voters having "voted under the barrel of a kalashnikov", stating "Russia has sought to annex Crimea.... This is a flagrant breach of international law and something we will not recognise."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ukraine-crisis-david-cameron-attacks-crimea-vote-under-barrel-of-a-kalashnikov-9207145.html|title=Ukraine crisis: David Cameron attacks Crimea vote 'under barrel of a Kalashnikov'|date=21 March 2014|work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=11 December 2023|archive-date=11 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211064438/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ukraine-crisis-david-cameron-attacks-crimea-vote-under-barrel-of-a-kalashnikov-9207145.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Cameron has gone on to be a fierce critic of Russia, and Putin, and supporter of Ukraine.<ref name= "Examiner">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/david-cameron-warns-munich-appeasement-putin|title=Blast from the past: David Cameron warns US against Munich-style appeasement of Putin|date=7 December 2023|access-date=11 December 2023|archive-date=11 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211064529/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/david-cameron-warns-munich-appeasement-putin|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Political image===
====Allegations of social elitism====
[[File:Conservative Party Reception.jpg|right|thumb|Cameron speaking at a Conservative reception in 2008]]
While leader of the Conservative Party, Cameron was accused of reliance on "old-boy networks",<ref name=Guardian_12_08_06>{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Matthew |title=Under the Green Oak, an old elite takes root in Tories |newspaper=The Guardian |date=12 August 2006 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2006/aug/12/uk.conservatives |access-date=15 February 2010 |location=London}}</ref> and conversely attacked by his party for the imposition of selective shortlists of women and ethnic minority prospective parliamentary candidates.<ref name="BBC_13_10_06"/>

Some of Cameron's senior appointments, such as George Osborne as chancellor of the Exchequer, are former members of the Bullingdon Club. Michael Gove conceded it was "ridiculous" how many fellow Cabinet ministers were old Etonians, though he placed the blame on the failings of the state education system rather than Cameron.<ref>{{cite news |title=How far will Michael Gove go? |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/ebe8018c-aa45-11e3-8497-00144feab7de.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/ebe8018c-aa45-11e3-8497-00144feab7de.html |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=5 March 2016 |work=Financial Times |date=14 March 2014}}</ref> However, Michael Mosbacher, co-founder of ''[[Standpoint (magazine)|Standpoint]]'', wrote that Cameron's cabinet has the lowest number of Etonians of any past Conservative government: "David Cameron's government is the least patrician, least wealthy and least public-school-educated—indeed the least Etonian Conservative-led government this country has ever seen".<ref>Mosbacher, Michael (June 2013). [http://standpointmag.co.uk/features-june-13-the-myth-of-camerons-etonian-chumocracy-michael-mosbacher-elitism "The Myth of Cameron's Eton 'Chumocracy{{'"}}]. ''[[Standpoint (magazine)|Standpoint]]''. Retrieved 8 May 2014.</ref>
[[File:David Cameronspeaking2.jpg|left|thumb|Cameron speaking in 2010]]

====Plots against leadership====
Following poor results in the [[2012 United Kingdom local elections|May 2012 local elections]] after a difficult few months for the government, with Labour increasing its lead in the polls, there were concerns from Conservative MPs about Cameron's leadership and his electability. [[David Davies (Welsh politician)|David Davies]], the chairman of the [[Welsh Affairs Select Committee]], accused the Conservative leadership of "incompetence", and hinted that it could risk Cameron's leadership.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/mp-tells-david-cameron-frustration-2030582 |title=MP tells David Cameron of his frustration at 'incompetence at government's highest levels' |date=10 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617101743/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/mp-tells-david-cameron-frustration-2030582 |archive-date=17 June 2016}}</ref> [[Nadine Dorries]] warned the Prime Minister that a leadership challenge could happen.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Press Association |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/may/06/nadine-dorries-david-cameron-leadership |title=Nadine Dorries tells David Cameron to change policies or lose Tory leadership |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=6 May 2012 |access-date=21 May 2013}}</ref>

Later that year, Conservative MP [[Brian Binley]] openly said that Cameron's leadership was like being a "maid" to the Liberal Democrats, and accused him of leading the party to defeat. In January 2013, it was revealed that [[Adam Afriyie]] was planning his own bid for the Conservative leadership with the support of fellow MPs [[Mark Field]], [[Bill Wiggin]], [[Chris Heaton-Harris]], [[Patrick Mercer]], [[Jonathan Djanogly]] and [[Dan Byles]]. ''[[The Times]]'' and ''[[ConservativeHome]]'' revealed that a "rebel reserve" of 55 Conservative MPs gave firm pledges to a co-ordinating MP to support a motion of no confidence and write to Brady simultaneously, more than the 46 MPs needed to trigger a vote of no confidence.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://conservativehome.blogs.com/thetorydiary/2013/01/rebel-reserve-of-55-conservative-mps-is-being-gathered-for-cameron-leadership-challenge.html |title='Rebel reserve' of 55 Conservative MPs 'is being gathered for Cameron leadership challenge' |publisher=Conservative Home |date=20 January 2013 |access-date=21 May 2013}}</ref> [[Andrew Bridgen]] openly called for a vote of confidence in Cameron's leadership, and claimed that the Prime Minister had a "credibility problem", but he dropped his bid for a contest a year later.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-26923973 |title=Tory MP Andrew Bridgen drops bid to oust Cameron |work=BBC News |date=7 April 2014|access-date=13 September 2016}}</ref>

====Cameron and Andy Coulson====
In 2007, Cameron appointed [[Andy Coulson]], former editor of the ''[[News of the World]]'', as his director of communications. Coulson had resigned as the paper's editor following the conviction of a reporter in relation to [[News International phone hacking scandal|illegal phone hacking]], although stating that he knew nothing about it.<ref name=beebo>{{cite news |last=Douglas |first=Torin |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12251456 |title=Andy Coulson quits Downing Street communications role |work=BBC News |date=21 January 2011 |access-date=30 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/press/the-battle-of-wapping-mk-ii-2310041.html |title=The Battle of Wapping, Mk II&nbsp;– Press, Media |newspaper=The Independent |date=10 July 2011 |access-date=30 October 2011 |location=London |first1=Jane |last1=Merrick |first2=James |last2=Hanning |first3=Matt |last3=Chorley |first4=Brian |last4=Brady}}</ref> In June 2010, Downing Street confirmed Coulson's annual salary as £140,000, the highest pay of any special adviser to UK Government.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10285825 |title=David Cameron's PR director Andy Coulson paid £140,000 |work=BBC News |date=10 June 2010|access-date=13 September 2016}}</ref>

In January 2011, Coulson left his post, saying coverage of the phone-hacking scandal was making it difficult to give his best to the job.<ref name=beebo/> In July 2011, he was arrested and questioned by police in connection with further allegations of illegal activities at the ''News of the World'', and released on bail. Despite a call to apologise for hiring Coulson by the Leader of the Opposition, Cameron defended the appointment, saying that he had taken a conscious choice to give someone who had screwed up a second chance.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/news/Prime-Minister39s-39gross-error-of.6797112.jp |title=Prime Minister's 'gross error of judgment' over former editor Andy Coulson |work=[[The Scotsman]] |place=Edinburgh |date=6 July 2011}}</ref> The same month, in a special parliamentary session at the [[House of Commons of England|House of Commons]], arranged to discuss the News International phone hacking scandal, Cameron said that he "regretted the furore" that had resulted from his appointment of Coulson, and that "with hindsight" he would not have hired him.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/sorry-david-cameron-sees-values-of-hindsight-2317454.html |title='Sorry' David Cameron sees values of hindsight |work=The Independent |date=20 July 2011 |access-date=20 July 2011 |location=London}}</ref> Coulson was detained and charged with perjury by [[Strathclyde Police]] in May 2012.<ref name=scotsmancharge>{{cite web |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/top-stories/scottish-police-charge-andy-coulson-with-tommy-sheridan-trial-perjury-1-2326534 |last=Rose |first=Gareth |date=31 May 2012 |title=Scottish police charge Andy Coulson with Tommy Sheridan trial perjury |newspaper=[[The Scotsman]] |location=Edinburgh |access-date=31 May 2012}}</ref><ref name=guardiancharge>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/may/30/andy-coulson-charged-with-perjury |last1=Carrell |first1=Severin |last2=Wintour |first2=Patrick |author-link2=Patrick Wintour |date=30 May 2012 |title=Andy Coulson charged with perjury |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=31 May 2012}}</ref> Coulson was convicted of conspiracy to hack phones in June 2014. Prior to the jury handing down their verdict, Cameron issued a "full and frank" apology for hiring him, saying: "I am extremely sorry that I employed him. It was the wrong decision and I am very clear about that." The judge hearing Coulson's trial was critical of the Prime Minister, pondering whether the intervention was out of ignorance or deliberate, and demanded an explanation.<ref name="CameronCoulson">{{cite news |title=David Cameron has explaining to do over apology for hiring Andy Coulson |url=http://www.thelondonnews.net/index.php/sid/223255805/scat/c08dd24cec417021/ht/David-Cameron-has-explaining-to-do-over-apology-for-hiring-Andy-Coulson |archive-url= https://archive.today/20140627234131/http://www.thelondonnews.net/index.php/sid/223255805/scat/c08dd24cec417021/ht/David-Cameron-has-explaining-to-do-over-apology-for-hiring-Andy-Coulson |url-status=dead |archive-date= 27 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014 |work=The London News.Net}}</ref>

====Cameron and Lord Ashcroft====
Although [[Lord Ashcroft]] played a significant role in the 2010 election, he was not offered a ministerial post.<ref name=stopping/> In June 2012, shortly before a major Conservative rebellion on [[House of Lords reform]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18786890 |title=Lords reform: Coalition suffers biggest rebellion |date=11 July 2012 |access-date=11 July 2012 |work=BBC News}}</ref> journalist [[Peter Oborne]] credited Ashcroft with "stopping the Coalition working" by moving policy on Europe, welfare, education and taxation to the right.<ref name=stopping>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/9359539/Lord-Ashcrofts-Tory-Right-is-stopping-the-Coalition-working.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/9359539/Lord-Ashcrofts-Tory-Right-is-stopping-the-Coalition-working.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Lord Ashcroft's Tory Right is stopping the Coalition working |last=Oborne |first=Peter |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=27 June 2012 |access-date=30 June 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> According to Oborne, Ashcroft, owner of both the ConservativeHome and PoliticsHome websites and a "brutal critic of the Coalition from the start", had established "megaphone presence" in the on-line media. He believes Cameron's philosophy of liberal conservatism has been destroyed by "coordinated attacks on the Coalition" and "the two parties are no longer trying to pretend that they are governing together."<ref name=stopping/>

In ''The Observer'', [[Andrew Rawnsley]] commented that he believes that Ashcroft uses carefully timed opinion polls to "generate publicity", "stir trouble for the Prime Minister" and influence the direction of the party.<ref name=andy>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/05/lord-ashcroft-poll-dowses-tories-optimism |title=Lord Ashcroft's big bucket of cold water to douse Tory optimism |last=Rawnsley |first=Andrew |work=The Observer |location=London |date=5 January 2014 |access-date=20 January 2014}}</ref> In 2015, Ashcroft released ''[[Call Me Dave]]'', an [[unauthorised biography]] of Cameron written with journalist [[Isabel Oakeshott]], which attracted significant media attention for various lurid allegations about Cameron's time at university. The book includes an anonymous anecdote about Cameron, now referred to as [[Piggate]], in which he allegedly inserted his penis into a dead pig's head. No evidence for the anecdote has been produced. Many commentators have described the accusations as a "revenge job" by Ashcroft, who was not offered a senior role in government when Cameron came to power in 2010.<ref name="The Guardian"/><ref name="The Daily Telegraph"/> Ashcroft initially claimed the book was "not about settling scores", while Oakeshott said that they had held back publication until after the 2015 general election to avoid damaging Cameron and the Conservatives' electoral chances.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lord Ashcroft 'not settling scores' with David Cameron book |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34312744 |access-date=23 September 2015 |work=BBC News |date=21 September 2015}}</ref> Ashcroft subsequently admitted that the initiation allegations "may have been case of mistaken identity" and has stated that he has a personal "beef" with Cameron.<ref name="The Guardian">{{cite news |title=Lord Ashcroft's Cameron biography bears hallmarks of revenge job |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/sep/21/lord-ashcrofts-cameron-biography-bears-hallmarks-of-revenge-job |access-date=22 September 2015 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref><ref name="The Daily Telegraph">{{cite news |last1=Kirkup |first1=James |title=A pig, some drugs and a disappointed billionaire: the life of David Cameron |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/11880588/A-pig-some-drugs-and-a-disappointed-billionaire-the-life-of-David-Cameron.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/11880588/A-pig-some-drugs-and-a-disappointed-billionaire-the-life-of-David-Cameron.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=21 September 2015 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Brooks-Pollock |first1=Tom |title=Piers Gaveston Society: The elite Oxford University club at the centre of claims David Cameron put his genitals in a dead pig |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/piers-gaveston-society-the-elite-oxford-university-club-at-the-centre-of-claims-david-cameron-put-his-genitals-in-a-dead-pig-10510602.html |access-date=21 September 2015 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Khomami |first1=Nadia |title=David Cameron, a pig's head and a secret society at Oxford University&nbsp;– explained |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/sep/21/david-cameron-piers-gaveston-society-what-we-know-oxford-secret |access-date=21 September 2015 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=21 September 2015 |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=David Cameron pig claims: How Twitter reacted to allegations about PM's time at university |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-pig-claims-how-twitter-reacted-to-allegations-about-pms-time-at-university-10511302.html |access-date=22 September 2015 |newspaper=The Independent |date=21 September 2015 |location=London}}</ref> Cameron later went on to deny these allegations and stated that Ashcroft's reasons for writing the book were clear and the public could see clearly through it.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.sky.com/story/1559948/pm-says-hes-too-busy-to-sue-lord-ashcroft |title=PM Says He's 'Too Busy' To Sue Lord Ashcroft |publisher=Sky News |date=28 September 2015}}</ref>

====Standing in opinion polls====
[[File:Anti-David Cameron protest 03.jpg|thumb|upright=1.04|Protesters outside [[10 Downing Street]] calling for Cameron to resign over the [[Panama Papers]] scandal, 9 April 2016]]
An ICM poll in September 2007 saw Cameron rated the least popular of the three main party leaders.<ref>Glover, Julian (19 September 2007).[https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/sep/19/uk.polls "The swing against Cameron"]. ''The Guardian'' (London).</ref><ref>Glover, Julian; Wintour, Patrick (30 June 2007). [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/jun/30/uk.polls1 "Brown effect propels Labour to election-winning lead"]. ''The Guardian'' (London). Retrieved 30 June 2007.</ref> A [[YouGov]] poll on party leaders conducted on 9–10 June 2011 found 44% of the electorate thought he was doing well and 50% thought he was doing badly, while 38% thought he would be the best PM and 35% did not know.<ref>[http://today.yougov.co.uk/sites/today.yougov.co.uk/files/yg-archives-trackers-leaders-140611.pdf The Party Leaders.] {{dead link|date=April 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [[YouGov]]. 14 June 2011.</ref> In the run up to the 2015 election, Cameron achieved his first net positive approval rating in four years, with a YouGov poll finding 47% of voters thought he was doing well as prime minister compared with 46% who thought he was doing badly.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McLellan |first1=Kylie |title=Cameron's approval ratings turn positive ahead of election&nbsp;– poll |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-election-cameron-idUKKBN0MW0EC20150406|access-date=23 September 2015 |work=Reuters |date=6 April 2015}}</ref>

In September 2015, an Opinium poll had similar results to the one shortly before the election, with voters split with 42% who approved of him and 41% who did not.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ourinsight.opinium.co.uk/sites/ourinsight.opinium.co.uk/files/vi_15_09_2015_tables_0.pdf |title=Opinium Research Results / Tables |date=September 2015 |website=Ourinsight.opinium.co.uk |access-date=21 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404204955/http://ourinsight.opinium.co.uk/sites/ourinsight.opinium.co.uk/files/vi_15_09_2015_tables_0.pdf |archive-date=4 April 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Cameron had significantly better net approval ratings in polls conducting in December and January (getting −6 in both) than Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (who got −38 and −39).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://d25d2506sfb94s.cloudfront.net/cumulus_uploads/document/mm8d71xdb9/InternalResults_160115_Corbyn_W.pdf |title=YouGov Survey Results |date=January 2016 |website=D256d2506sfb94s.cloudfront,net |access-date=21 April 2016}}</ref> However, following the Panama Papers leak in April 2016, his personal approval ratings fell below Corbyn's.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/new-poll-shows-cameron-less-popular-than-corbyn-for-first-time-a6974891.html |title=Jeremy Corbyn more popular than David Cameron for first time, new poll reveals |work=The Independent |date=8 April 2016}}</ref>

====Evaluations of premiership====
In the months immediately following his resignation from the post of prime minister, a number of commentators gave negative evaluations of Cameron's premiership. The [[University of Leeds]]' [[Historical rankings of prime ministers of the United Kingdom#2016 University of Leeds survey|2016 survey]] of post-war prime ministers, which collected the views of 82 academics specialising in the history and politics of post-war Britain, ranked Cameron as the third-worst prime minister since 1945, ranking above only [[Alec Douglas-Home]] and [[Anthony Eden]]. 90% of respondents cited his calling and losing of the Brexit referendum as his greatest failure.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-worst-prime-minister-ranking-third-since-ww2-a7358171.html |title=David Cameron rated third worst Prime Minister since end of World War Two |last=Cowburn |first=Ashley |date=12 October 2016 |website=[[independent.co.uk]] |access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref>

==Post-premiership and interim years (2016–2023)==
On 19 June 2023, Cameron gave evidence to the [[UK COVID-19 Inquiry]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Corless |first1=Blathnaid |last2=Johnston |first2=Neil |date=19 June 2023 |title=David Cameron admits prioritising flu pandemic was 'mistake' |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/06/19/covid-inquiry-latest-david-cameron-gives-evidence-live/ |access-date=19 June 2023 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref>
[[File:Rt Hon. David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2016 (33595223693).jpg|thumb|upright=1.09|Cameron speaking at a [[World Travel and Tourism Council]] meeting in April 2017]]

=== Positions ===
In October 2016, Cameron became chairman of the [[National Citizen Service]] Patrons.<ref name="lsedavidcameronrevealsnextjob">{{cite news |last1=Simpson |first1=Fiona |title=David Cameron reveals next job after quitting politics |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron-reveals-next-job-after-quitting-politics-a3366716.html|access-date=12 October 2016 |work=London Evening Standard |date=12 October 2016}}</ref> In January 2017, he was appointed president of [[Alzheimer's Research UK]] to address misconceptions surrounding [[dementia]] and campaign for medical research funding to tackle the condition.<ref>{{cite news |title='Dementia is not inevitable' says David Cameron as he becomes President of Alzheimer's Research UK |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/01/25/dementia-not-inevitable-says-david-cameron-becomes-president/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/01/25/dementia-not-inevitable-says-david-cameron-becomes-president/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |first=Sarah |last=Knapton |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=25 January 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

All appointments post-premiership have to be approved by the UK government's [[Advisory Committee on Business Appointments]]. In addition to the two posts above, they also approved the following positions:<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cameron-david-prime-minister-acoba-recommendation/summary-of-business-appointments-applications-rt-hon-david-cameron |title=Summary of business appointments applications – Rt Hon David Cameron}}</ref>
* Consultant for [[Illumina Inc.]]
* Vice-chair, UK China Fund
* Director, [[ONE Campaign|ONE]]
* Consultant for [[First Data]] Corp.
* Member of Council on Foreign Relations
* Chairman, [[London School of Economics|LSE]]-Oxford Commission on Growth in Fragile States
* Registered member of [[Washington Speakers Bureau]]
* Chairman of advisory board, [[Afiniti]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/31/david-cameron-takes-job-with-us-artificial-intelligence-firm |title=David Cameron takes job with US artificial intelligence firm |date=31 May 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=31 May 2019}}</ref>
* Speaker Booking Agency<ref>{{Cite web |title=David Cameron Agent, David Cameron Speaker Engagement Appearances, David Cameron Booking Fee for Corporate Events and Endorsements |url=https://www.speakerbookingagency.com/booking-request/david-cameron |access-date=14 November 2023 |website=www.speakerbookingagency.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== Brexit ===
Cameron maintained a low profile following his resignation as prime minister and the subsequent [[Brexit negotiations]]. In January 2019, following Theresa May's defeat in the House of Commons over her draft withdrawal agreement, Cameron gave a rare interview to reporters outside his house in [[Notting Hill]], saying he backed May's Brexit deal with the EU and did not regret calling the 2016 referendum.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-politics-46891769/david-cameron-i-don-t-regret-calling-referendum |title=Cameron: I don't regret calling referendum |work=BBC News |access-date=16 January 2019}}</ref> However, he later said that the outcome of the referendum had left him "hugely depressed", and told ''The Times'' he knew "some people will never forgive me". He confessed: "Every single day I think about it, and the fact that we lost, and the consequences, and the things that could have been done differently, and I worry desperately".<ref name=":1">{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49690618 |work=BBC News |title=Cameron: Johnson and Gove behaved 'appallingly' |date=13 September 2019|access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref>

In the months following Boris Johnson's election as prime minister, Cameron began criticising Johnson's Brexit strategy, including his decision to [[2019 British prorogation controversy|prorogue]] parliament ahead of the Brexit deadline of 31 October, and the removal of the whip from Conservative MPs who voted to block a [[no-deal Brexit]]. Additionally, he accused Johnson, as well as Michael Gove, of behaving "appallingly" during the referendum campaign of 2016.<ref name=":1"/>

In September 2020, Cameron became the fifth former prime minister to criticise the [[UK Internal Market Bill]], over which he said he had "misgivings". Cameron said the "bigger picture" was about trying to get a trade deal with the EU, urging the government to "keep that context [and] that big prize in mind."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-54145202 |title=Fifth ex-PM speaks out against post-Brexit bill |work=BBC News |date=14 September 2020|access-date=14 September 2020}}</ref>

=== Memoir ===
On 19 September 2019, Cameron published a memoir, ''[[For the Record (book)|For the Record]]'', through [[HarperCollins]].<ref name=":3"/> He was reported to have signed an £800,000 contract for the book.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/04/22/david-camerons-memoirs-delayed-next-year-amid-fears-former-prime/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/04/22/david-camerons-memoirs-delayed-next-year-amid-fears-former-prime/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=David Cameron's memoirs 'delayed until next year' amid fears former Prime Minister has writer's block |last=Hope |first=Christopher |date=22 April 2018 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=1 April 2019 |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> According to the ''Guardian'', the book was initially scheduled for 2018, but was delayed so Cameron would not be perceived as a "backstreet driver" in the ongoing Brexit negotiations.<ref name=":3">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/16/david-cameron-book-for-the-record-to-be-published-in-september |title=David Cameron's book to be published in September |last=Perraudin |first=Frances |date=16 May 2019 |work=The Guardian|access-date=16 May 2019 |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.sky.com/story/for-the-record-david-camerons-autobiography-gets-release-date-11721627 |title=For The Record: David Cameron's autobiography gets release date |website=Sky News |date=17 May 2019 |first=Alan |last=McGuinness}}</ref>

=== Greensill scandal ===
{{Main article|Greensill scandal}}
During Cameron's premiership, the financier [[Lex Greensill]], was an unpaid advisor who had access to eleven government departments.<ref name="Swinford0411">{{cite news |last=Swinford |first=Steven |date=29 March 2021 |title=David Cameron 'told friends he would make $60m from Greensill deal' |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/david-cameron-greensill-deal-claims-lobbying-tfd6j7ln3 |access-date=11 April 2021 |newspaper=[[The Times]] |issn=0140-0460}}</ref> In 2018, Cameron became an advisor to [[Greensill Capital]] and held share options in the company<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Robert |last2=Pooler |first2=Michael |last3=Storbeck |first3=Olaf |title=The unravelling of Lex Greensill: a mix of bravado and financial alchemy |url=https://www.ft.com/content/7e79117f-cbf5-4765-82ca-7e8f1fb5915b |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/7e79117f-cbf5-4765-82ca-7e8f1fb5915b |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=11 April 2021 |work=Financial Times |date=5 March 2021}}</ref> reportedly worth as much as $60&nbsp;million as well as being paid over $1&nbsp;million each year for 25 days' work per year.<ref name="Swinford0411"/><ref>{{cite web |date=13 July 2021 |title=David Cameron earned more than $1m a year as Greensill lobbyist |url=https://www.cityam.com/david-cameron-earned-more-than-1m-a-year-as-greensill-lobbyist/|access-date=13 July 2021 |website=CityAM}}</ref> A [[Panorama (British TV programme)|''Panorama'']] investigation concluded that, overall, through a combination of his salary and share sales, Cameron earned around $10&nbsp;million before tax for 30 months' part-time work.<ref>{{cite news |title=Greensill: David Cameron 'made $10m' before company's collapse |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58149765 |access-date=10 August 2021 |work=BBC News |date=9 August 2021}}</ref>

In 2019, Cameron arranged for a private meeting with Lex Greensill and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care [[Matt Hancock]]; under Hancock, several NHS trusts went on to use Greensill Capital's Earnd app.<ref>{{cite news |date=11 April 2021 |title=Matt Hancock 'had private drink' with David Cameron and Lex Greensill |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56706619|access-date=11 April 2021}}</ref> In 2020, a few months before Greensill Capital collapsed, Cameron lobbied the government to bend the rules to allow it to receive [[Covid Corporate Financing Facility]] loans.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 March 2021 |title=David Cameron fails to respond over Greensill Capital claims |url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/mar/16/david-cameron-fails-to-respond-over-greensill-capital-claims|access-date=19 March 2021 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=19 March 2021 |title=Labour seeks probe over Cameron Greensill lobbying |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56455352|access-date=19 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Moon |first=Louise |date=18 March 2021 |title=David Cameron lobbied ex-colleagues for Greensill access to Covid loan scheme |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2021/03/18/david-cameron-lobbied-former-colleagues-greensill-access-covid/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2021/03/18/david-cameron-lobbied-former-colleagues-greensill-access-covid/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=19 March 2021 |issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=19 March 2021 |title=Cameron lobbied UK government on behalf of Greensill Capital – report |url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/mar/19/cameron-lobbied-uk-government-behalf-greensill-access-covid-loans-reports-says|access-date=19 March 2021 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> He sent several text messages to Chancellor of the Exchequer [[Rishi Sunak]], who ultimately declined to help Greensill; Cameron also held ten virtual meetings with permanent secretaries Tom Scholar and Charles Roxburgh to try to obtain money for Greensill.<ref name="Swinford0411"/><ref>{{cite news |date=22 March 2021 |title=David Cameron personally advocated for collapsed firm Greensill with Bank of England |url=https://www.channel4.com/news/david-cameron-personally-advocated-for-collapsed-firm-greensill-with-bank-of-england|access-date=23 March 2021 |website=Channel 4 News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=21 March 2021 |title=David Cameron texted Rishi Sunak to get Covid loans for Greensill, says report |url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/mar/21/david-cameron-texted-rishi-sunak-to-get-covid-loans-for-greensill-says-report|access-date=22 March 2021 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> The government-owned [[British Business Bank]] lent Greensill up to £400m through a different scheme, leading to a potential £335m loss to the taxpayer.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Syal |first1=Rajeev |title=Greensill given access to Covid loans without detailed checks, watchdog reveals |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jul/07/greensill-given-access-to-covid-loans-without-detailed-checks-watchdog-reveals |access-date=10 August 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=6 July 2021}}</ref> After press revelations in 2021 regarding the extent of Greensill Capital's access, a formal investigation was launched by the UK lobbying registrar to be led by Nigel Boardman, a non-executive board member of the [[Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy]].<ref>{{cite web |date=25 March 2021 |title=David Cameron faces investigation into possible lobbying law breach |url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/mar/25/david-cameron-faces-investigation-into-possible-lobbying-law-breach|access-date=25 March 2021 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=12 April 2021 |title=Greensill: Government to investigate Cameron's lobbying |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-56720141|access-date=12 April 2021}}</ref>

=== NYU Abu Dhabi ===
In January 2023, Cameron was assigned to teach politics in a three-week course at [[New York University Abu Dhabi]]. He was to lecture students on "practising politics and government in the age of disruption", which included topics like the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Ukraine war]] and migration crisis.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/c4e46b1a-be31-450f-8d2b-ee5e99a8bb01|title=David Cameron lands teaching job at Abu Dhabi University|access-date=16 December 2022|website=The Financial Times|date=16 December 2022 }}</ref>

=== Migrant crisis===
In May 2023, Cameron expressed support for the [[Rwanda asylum plan]] and [[Suella Braverman]]'s policies against illegal immigration into the UK, arguing in an interview with [[LBC]]: "I think if you don't have a better answer to the things that the government is doing to try and stop this illegal trade, then I think there's no point criticising."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/05/24/david-cameron-defends-suella-braverman-rwanda-migrants/ |title=David Cameron defends Suella Braverman's Rwanda migration policy |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=24 May 2023 |access-date=14 June 2023 |last1=Hymas |first1=Charles }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/david-cameron-rwanda-policy-people-smugglers/ |title=Sending migrants to Rwanda 'best available option' to crush people-smuggling gangs, David Cameron says |access-date=14 June 2023}}</ref>

==Foreign Secretary (2023–present)==
[[File:Meeting of UK Government and the Arab-Islamic Foreign Ministerial Committee on 22 November 2023 - 6.jpg|thumb|Cameron and Saudi foreign minister Prince [[Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud]], 22 November 2023]]
[[File:Foreign Secretary David Cameron visits Israel (53350707479).jpg|thumb|Cameron and Israeli foreign minister [[Eli Cohen (politician, born 1972)|Eli Cohen]] at Be'eri, 23 November 2023]]
In Prime Minister [[Rishi Sunak]]'s [[November 2023 British cabinet reshuffle|cabinet reshuffle on 13 November 2023]], Cameron was appointed [[Foreign Secretary|foreign secretary]], replacing [[James Cleverly]], who became [[home secretary]].

It was announced simultaneously that Cameron would receive a [[life peer]]age, thus making him a member of the [[House of Lords]] and the first former prime minister to be raised to the [[Peerage of the United Kingdom|peerage]] since [[Margaret Thatcher]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Peerages awarded to former UK prime ministers |work=House of Lords Library |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231114105234/https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/peerages-awarded-to-former-prime-ministers/ |archive-date=14 November 2023 |url-status=live |date=13 November 2023 |url=https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/peerages-awarded-to-former-prime-ministers/ |quote=The most recent former prime minister to receive a peerage is David Cameron. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appointed Mr Cameron secretary of state for foreign, commonwealth and development affairs in 2023. His peerage title is yet to be confirmed. Mr Cameron left the House of Commons in 2016. |first=Thomas |last=Brown}}</ref> On 17 November 2023, he was created ''Baron Cameron of Chipping Norton, of [[Chipping Norton]] in the [[Oxfordshire|County of Oxfordshire]]''.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=22 November 2023 |issue=64237 |page=23554}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Benedict |date=17 November 2023 |title=David Cameron to be known as Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/11/17/david-cameron-chipping-norton-territorial-designation/ |access-date=17 November 2023 |issn=0307-1235 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> [[Lord Carrington]], a [[hereditary peer]], was the last foreign secretary to sit in the Lords, serving from 1979 until his resignation in 1982.<ref name="Guardian_NotAnMP">{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Peter |title=Explainer: He's not an MP, so how can David Cameron return to the cabinet? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/nov/13/hes-not-an-mp-so-how-can-david-cameron-return-to-the-cabinet |access-date=14 November 2023 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=13 November 2023}}</ref> Cameron was [[Introduction (House of Lords)|introduced to the House of Lords]] on 20 November, supported by [[Lord True]] and [[Baroness Williams of Trafford]].<ref>{{cite Hansard |title=Introduction: Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton |jurisdiction=Parliament of the United Kingdom |url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/lords/2023-11-20/debates/E466D82E-67CB-4AE0-8635-5F531D9EC874/IntroductionLordCameronOfChippingNorton |house=House of Lords |date=20 November 2023 |volume=834 |column=593}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-67478628 |title=Former PM David Cameron becomes Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton |date=20 November 2023 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

Cameron made his first working visit to Ukraine as foreign secretary on 16 November, meeting President [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] in Kyiv, where he reiterated the UK's commitment to provide moral, diplomatic and "above all military support for&nbsp;... however long it takes".<ref>{{Cite news |first=Jacqueline |last=Howard |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67436126 |title=David Cameron makes first official visit to Ukraine |date=16 November 2023 |accessdate=16 November 2023 |via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

In London, on 15 and 16 November, lawyers representing Cameron in his capacity as foreign secretary fought for sanctions on British journalist [[Graham Phillips (journalist)|Graham Phillips]] to remain in place. Phillips's barrister Joshua Hitchens, challenging the government, described the sanctions on Phillips as "[[Orwellian]]".<ref>{{cite news |date=16 November 2023 |title=British 'pro-Russian propagandist' awaits ruling on High Court sanctions fight|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/london-ukraine-british-high-court-lawyers-b2448657.html |work=[[Independent (Independent newspaper)|Independent]] |access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref>
[[File:The Foreign Secretary visits Israel (53485734394).jpg|thumb|Cameron with Israeli Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] in Jerusalem, Israel, 24 January 2024]]
[[File:The Foreign Secretary Visits Turkey.jpg|thumb|Cameron with Turkish President [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] in Istanbul, Turkey, 26 January 2024]]
On 23 November, Cameron visited the site of the [[Be'eri massacre]], part of the [[2023 Hamas attack on Israel]], to meet Israeli foreign minister [[Eli Cohen (politician, born 1972)|Eli Cohen]]. Afterwards, he met the Israeli prime minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] to discuss among other urgent matters, facilitating further aid to [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vasilyeva |first=Nataliya |date=23 November 2023 |title=Cameron: I've seen things I'll never forget at kibbutz targeted by Hamas |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/11/23/lord-cameron-israel-i-have-seen-things-ill-never-forget/ |access-date=24 November 2023 |issn=0307-1235 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Cameron said in an interview with the BBC that he told Israeli officials that "they must abide by international humanitarian law" and that the number of [[Casualties of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war|Palestinian casualties]] was "too high". He also said that the "settler violence" against Palestinians in the occupied [[West Bank]] is "completely unacceptable".<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel in diplomatic dispute with Spain and Belgium over Gaza bombardment |url=https://www.ft.com/content/2529d2d6-4eba-4078-ba49-0a5e80b6af6b |work=Financial Times |date=25 November 2023}}</ref> On 17 December, Cameron backed a "sustainable ceasefire" in the [[2023 Israel–Hamas war]], called for more aid to reach Gaza, and called for the Israeli government to "do more to discriminate sufficiently between terrorists and civilians". He, however, rejected calls for a "general and immediate ceasefire", differentiating this from the "sustainable ceasefire" he called for alongside German foreign minister [[Annalena Baerbock]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-17 |title=Why the UK and Germany back a sustainable ceasefire: article by the Foreign Secretary and the German Foreign Minister |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/why-the-uk-and-germany-back-a-sustainable-ceasefire-article-by-the-foreign-secretary-and-the-german-foreign-minister |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref>

In early December, Cameron urged US lawmakers to agree to a funding bill for [[military aid to Ukraine]] or risk "making a mistake comparable to the British act of [[appeasement]] that empowered [[Adolf Hitler]] before [[World War II]]".<ref name= "Examiner"/>

On 9 January 2024, Cameron admitted he is "worried" that Israel has "taken action that might be in breach of international law", saying he wanted Israel to [[Blockade of Gaza (2023-present)|restore water supplies to Gaza]].<ref>{{cite news |title=David Cameron squirms as he's confronted over Israeli 'war crimes' |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/24038357.david-cameron-squirms-confronted-israeli-war-crimes/ |work=The National |date=9 January 2024 |accessdate=10 January 2024}}</ref>

On 14 January, Cameron said that "Israel is acting in self-defence after the appalling attack on October 7" and denied that Israel is committing [[War crimes in the Israel–Hamas war|war crimes in Gaza]]. He dismissed South Africa's [[South Africa v. Israel (Genocide Convention)|ICJ genocide case against Israel]] as "nonsense", saying that Israel is "a democracy, a country with the rule of law, a country with armed forces that are committed to obeying the rule of law".<ref>{{cite news |title=Lord Cameron denies suggesting Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/israel-cameron-international-court-of-justice-gaza-mps-b2478376.html |work=The Independent |date=14 January 2024 | access-date = 3 February 2024}}</ref>

Cameron announced in late January that the government would consider recognising [[State of Palestine|Palestine]] as a country, while also adding that would help to make a two-state solution "irreversible".<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/30/uk-will-consider-recognising-palestinian-state-says-david-cameron | title = UK will consider recognising Palestinian state, says David Cameron | work = The Guardian | date = 30 January 2024 | access-date = 30 January 2024}}</ref>

On 15 February 2024, Cameron supported the United States Congress bill to allocate military aid to Ukraine, saying that he did not want the West to "show weakness displayed against Putin in 2008, when he [[Russo-Georgian War|invaded]] Georgia, or the uncertainty of the response in 2014, when he [[Russian occupation of Crimea|took]] Crimea and [[War in Donbas|much of the Donbas]]—before coming back to cost us far more with his aggression in 2022".<ref>{{cite web | url =https://accentnews.ge/en/article/107253-kemeroni-ar-minda-vachvenot-sisuste-romelic-put| title =  Lord Cameron: I do not want us to show the weakness displayed against Putin in 2008, when he invaded Georgia | work = Accent News | date = 15 February 2024 | access-date = 18 February 2024}}</ref>

== In popular culture ==
Cameron made a cameo appearance in the [[BBC]] television programme ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]''{{'}}s [[Top Gear: India Special|India Special]], where he tells the trio of [[Jeremy Clarkson]], [[James May]] and [[Richard Hammond]] to "stay away from India" after initially denying the group's request to improve economic relations with India in a letter and suggested that they [[Top Gear controversies#Mexico|mend fences with Mexico]]. Cameron later stated through his aides that he did not like the special that he cameoed in, and that he had the "utmost respect" for the people of India.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cameron did not like BBC India special he appeared in |url= https://www.deccanherald.com/content/219018/cameron-did-not-like-bbc.html |website= Deccan Herald |date=13 January 2012 |access-date=23 August 2020}}</ref>

Cameron was portrayed by comedian [[Jon Culshaw]] in ITV's satirical sketch show ''[[Newzoids]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |title=Latest Newzoids - May, Corbyn and Princess Charlotte are joining cast |work=Belfast Telegraph |url= https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/latest-newzoids-may-corbyn-and-princess-charlotte-are-joining-cast/34972020.html |date=17 August 2016 |access-date=11 May 2023 }}</ref> and by [[Mark Dexter]] in the Channel 4 television films [[Coalition (film)|''Coalition'']] and ''[[Brexit: The Uncivil War]]''. In 2019, he was interviewed for ''[[The Cameron Years]]'', a BBC mini-documentary series on his premiership.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC One - The Cameron Years, Trailer |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07nl8bm |access-date=11 May 2023 |website=BBC |date=19 September 2019}}</ref>

==Personal life==
===Family===
[[File:Armed Forces Full Honor Cordon and State Dinner for United Kingdom 120314-A-WP504-075 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Samantha Cameron in 2012]]

In 1996, Cameron married [[Samantha Sheffield]], the daughter of [[Sir Reginald Sheffield, 8th Baronet]], and Annabel Lucy Veronica Jones (later [[Annabel Astor, Viscountess Astor|Viscountess Astor]]). A [[Marlborough College]] school friend of Cameron's sister Clare, Samantha accepted Clare's invitation to accompany the Cameron family on holiday in [[Tuscany]], Italy, after graduating from the Bristol School of Creative Arts. It was then David and Samantha's romance started.

The Camerons have had four children. Their first, Ivan Reginald Ian, was born on 8 April 2002 in [[Hammersmith and Fulham]], London, with a rare combination of [[cerebral palsy]] and a form of severe [[epilepsy]] called [[Ohtahara syndrome]], requiring round-the-clock care. Recalling the receipt of this news, Cameron was quoted as saying: "The news hits you like a freight train&nbsp;... You are depressed for a while because you are grieving for the difference between your hopes and the reality. But then you get over that, because he's wonderful."<ref name="Focus">Can Boy Wonder save the Tories?". ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' (London). 9 October 2005.</ref> Ivan was cared for at the specialist NHS Cheyne Day Centre in West London, which closed shortly after he left it. Ivan died at [[St Mary's Hospital, London|St Mary's Hospital]], [[Paddington]], London, on 25 February 2009, aged six.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7909562.stm |title=Cameron's eldest son Ivan dies |date=25 February 2009 |access-date=25 February 2009 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

The Camerons have two daughters, Nancy Gwen (born 2004) and Florence Rose Endellion (born 2010),<ref name="BBC News 4th child">{{cite news |title=Camerons announce birth of fourth child |date=24 August 2010 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11074163 |work=BBC News |access-date=24 August 2010}}</ref> and a son, Arthur Elwen (born 2006).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/mar/22/david-cameron-wife-samantha-baby |title=David Cameron's wife expecting baby |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=22 March 2010 |access-date=17 May 2014 |first=Paul |last=Owen}}</ref> Cameron took [[paternity leave]] when Arthur was born, and this decision received broad coverage.<ref>{{cite news |first=Roland |last=White |title=Cameron puts in for spot of paternity leave |work=[[The Sunday Times]] |date=5 February 2006 |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article727123.ece |location=London}} {{subscription required}}</ref> It was also stated that Cameron would be taking paternity leave after his second daughter was born.<ref name="BBC News 4th child"/> She was born at the [[Royal Cornwall Hospital]] on 24 August 2010, three weeks prematurely, while the family was on holiday in [[Cornwall]]. Her third given name, Endellion, is taken from the village of [[St Endellion]] near where the Camerons were holidaying.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11089358 |title=Camerons reveal daughter's name |work=BBC News |date=25 August 2010 |access-date=25 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67N3DN20100824 |title=UK PM David Cameron's wife gives birth to baby girl |work=Reuters |date=24 August 2010 |access-date=24 August 2010 |first=Adrian |last=Croft}}</ref>

In early May 2008, the Camerons decided to enroll their daughter Nancy at a [[state school|state]] primary school. For three years before that, they had been attending its associated church, [[St Mary Abbots]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Lloyd |first=Russell |url=http://www.stmaryabbotschurch.org/ |title=Welcome to our church |date=n.d. |access-date=2 December 2012}}</ref> near the Cameron family home in [[North Kensington]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7392744.stm "Leaders make state school choices"]. BBC News. 9 May 2008.</ref> Cameron's constituency home is in [[Dean, Oxfordshire]], and the Camerons have been described as key members of the [[Chipping Norton set]].<ref name='TelegJul11'>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/interactive-graphics/9124278/Whos-who-in-the-Chipping-Norton-set.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/interactive-graphics/9124278/Whos-who-in-the-Chipping-Norton-set.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Who's who in the Chipping Norton set |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |last=Dewar |first=Caroline |access-date=6 May 2012 |date=5 March 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On 8 September 2010, it was announced that Cameron would miss Prime Minister's Questions to fly to [[southern France]] to see his father, Ian Cameron, who had had a stroke with coronary complications. Later that day, his father died.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-camerons-father-dies-after-stroke-2073550.html |title=David Cameron's father dies after stroke |newspaper=The Independent |date=8 September 2010 |access-date=8 September 2010 |location=London |first=James |last=Tapsfield}}</ref> On 17 September 2010, Cameron attended a private ceremony for the funeral of his father in Berkshire, which prevented him from hearing the address of [[Pope Benedict XVI]] in [[Westminster Hall]], an occasion he would otherwise have attended.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/david-cameron/8009233/David-Cameron-attends-fathers-funeral.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100920032726/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/david-cameron/8009233/David-Cameron-attends-fathers-funeral.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 20 September 2010 |title=David Cameron attends father's funeral |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=17 September 2010 |access-date=23 November 2010 |location=London}}</ref>

===Inheritance and family wealth===
In October 2010, Cameron inherited £300,000 from his father's estate. Ian Cameron, who had worked as a stockbroker in [[City of London#Economy|the City]] of London, used multimillion-pound investment funds based in offshore tax havens, such as [[Jersey]], Panama City and [[Geneva]], to increase the family wealth. In 1982, Ian Cameron created the Panamanian [[Blairmore Holdings]], an [[offshore investment]] fund, valued at about $20&nbsp;million in 1988, "not liable to taxation on its income or capital gains", which used [[bearer share]]s until 2006.<ref>(3 April 2016) [https://panamapapers.icij.org/the_power_players/ The Power Players David Cameron&nbsp;– Ian Cameron] The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. Retrieved 5 April 2016</ref>

In April 2016, following the Panama Papers financial documents leak, he faced calls to resign, after it was revealed that he and his wife Samantha had invested in Ian Cameron's offshore fund.<ref>{{cite news |title=David Cameron's terrible week ends with calls for resignation over Panama Papers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/apr/08/david-cameron-panama-papers-offshore-fund-resignation-calls |work=The Guardian |author=Mason, Rowena |date=8 April 2016|access-date=10 April 2016}}</ref> He owned £31,500 of shares in the fund and sold them for a profit of £19,000 shortly before becoming prime minister in 2010, which he paid full UK tax on.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/apr/07/david-cameron-admits-he-profited-fathers-offshore-fund-panama-papers |title=David Cameron admits he profited from father's offshore fund |first1=Robert |last1=Booth |first2=Holly |last2=Watt |first3=David |last3=Pegg |work=The Guardian |date=7 April 2016|access-date = 16 November 2019}}</ref> Cameron argued that the fund was set up in Panama so that people who wanted to invest in dollar-denominated shares and companies could do so, and because full UK tax was paid on all profits he made, there was no impropriety.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35997299 |title=What's the deal with offshore funds? |first1=Kevin |last1=Peachey |first2=Edward |last2=Curwen |work=[[BBC News]] |date=8 April 2016|access-date = 16 November 2019}}</ref> A protest was held in London in April 2016, demanding Cameron's resignation.<ref name="protest 1 - bbc">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36006447 |title=Downing Street protesters call for Cameron to resign |work=[[BBC News]] |date=9 April 2016|access-date = 16 November 2019}}</ref><ref name="protest 1 - independent">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/resign-cameron-protests-thousands-to-gather-at-downing-street-to-ask-prime-minister-to-step-down-a6976036.html |title='Resign Cameron' protests: Thousands to gather at Downing Street to ask Prime Minister to step down |first=Andrew |last=Griffin |work=The Independent |date=9 April 2016|access-date = 16 November 2019}}</ref>

In 2009, the ''[[New Statesman]]'' estimated his wealth at {{Nowrap|£3.2 million}}, adding that Cameron is expected to inherit "million-pound legacies" from both sides of his family.<ref>Shackle, Samira; Hegarty, Stephanie; Eaton, George (1 October 2009). [http://www.newstatesman.com/uk-politics/2009/10/oxford-universitywealth-school "The new ruling class"]. ''New Statesman'' (London). Retrieved 16 November 2019.</ref>

===Leisure===
[[File:G8 leaders watching football.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|[[Barack Obama]], [[Angela Merkel]], [[François Hollande]] and others watch the penalty shootout of the [[2012 UEFA Champions League Final]], with Cameron celebrating [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]'s victory over [[Bayern Munich]].]]
Before becoming prime minister, Cameron regularly used his bicycle to commute to work. In early 2006, he was photographed cycling to work, followed by his driver in a car carrying his belongings. His Conservative Party spokesperson subsequently said that this was a regular arrangement for Cameron at the time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hypocrisy claim over Cameron bike |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4953922.stm |work=BBC News |date=28 April 2006 |access-date=4 August 2009}}</ref>
Cameron is an occasional jogger and in 2009 raised funds for charities by taking part in the Oxford 5K and the [[Great Brook Run]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/8432439.stm "David Cameron runs in charity mud race"]. BBC News. 28 December 2009. Retrieved 28 December 2009.</ref>

Cameron supports [[Aston Villa]].<ref name="auto">{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Lisa |date=20 May 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120929122341/http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/05/20/david-cameron-not-bothered-by-euro-clash-he-s-a-villa-fan-65233-20935561/ |url=http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/05/20/david-cameron-not-bothered-by-euro-clash-he-s-a-villa-fan-65233-20935561/ |title=David Cameron not bothered by Euro clash&nbsp;– he's a Villa fan |newspaper=Birmingham Post |archive-date=29 September 2012}}</ref> A member of [[Marylebone Cricket Club|MCC]], he is also a keen [[cricket]] fan and has appeared on ''[[Test Match Special]]''.<ref name="auto1">{{cite news |last=Ross |first=Tim |title=David Cameron caught out by Geoffrey Boycott at Lord's |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/10191089/David-Cameron-caught-out-by-Geoffrey-Boycott-at-Lords.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/10191089/David-Cameron-caught-out-by-Geoffrey-Boycott-at-Lords.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=19 July 2013 |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

A 2012 biography, ''Cameron: Practically a Conservative'', stated that "If "chillaxing" was an Olympic sport then David Cameron, would win a gold medal", citing Cameron's fondness for relaxing. The biography stated that Cameron's "ability to separate his private life from his professional life is seen as an asset by some friends, and by others as a sign of complacency in the midst of a double dip recession."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/may/19/david-cameron-chillaxing-hobbies-biography |title=David Cameron's 'chillaxing' hobbies revealed in new biography |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=19 May 2012 |access-date = 14 December 2023}}</ref>

===Faith===
At a Q&A in August 2013, Cameron described himself as a practising Christian and an active member of the [[Church of England]].<ref>{{cite news |title=PM tackled on religion at Q&A session |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-23618181 |work=BBC News |access-date=29 August 2013 |date=8 August 2013}}</ref> On religious faith in general, he said: "I do think that organised religion can get things wrong but the Church of England and the other churches do play a very important role in society."<ref>{{cite news |last=Gammell |first=Caroline |title=David Cameron: my fears and my faith |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/6514974/David-Cameron-my-fears-and-my-faith.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/6514974/David-Cameron-my-fears-and-my-faith.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=29 August 2013 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=6 November 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He said he considers the Bible "a sort of handy guide" on morality.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/10582329/David-Cameron-reveals-family-rules-at-Number-10.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/10582329/David-Cameron-reveals-family-rules-at-Number-10.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=David Cameron reveals family rules at Number 10 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=19 January 2014 |access-date=20 January 2014 |last=Edgar |first=James}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He viewed Britain as a "Christian country", and aimed to put faith back into politics.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bingham |first=John |title=David Cameron puts God back into politics |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10771339/David-Cameron-puts-God-back-into-politics.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10771339/David-Cameron-puts-God-back-into-politics.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=21 April 2014 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=16 April 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

== Bibliography ==

* {{Cite book |last1=Cameron |first1=David |last2=Jones |first2=Dylan |title=Cameron on Cameron: Conversations with Dylan Jones |year=2008 |publisher=Fourth Estate |isbn=9780007285365}}
* {{Cite book |last=Cameron |first=David |title=Tory Policy Making: The Conservative Research Department, 1929-2009 |year=2009 |publisher=Conservative Research Department |isbn=978-1905116041}}
* {{Cite book |last=Cameron |first=David |title=For the Record |year=2019 |publisher=William Collins |isbn=9781785176593 |title-link= For the Record (book)}}<!--
==Notes==
{{Notelist}}
-->

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Library resources box
 |by=yes
 |viaf=100245301
 |lccn=nr2007001108
}}

===Full biography===
* {{Cite book |last1=Elliott |first1=Francis |last2=Hanning |first2=James |title=Cameron: Practically a Conservative |year=2012 |publisher=Fourth Estate |isbn=978-0-00-743642-2}}

===Books about Cameron as leader===
* {{Cite book |last=Nadler |first=Jo-Anne|author-link=Jo-Anne Nadler |title=David Cameron: The Regeneration Game |year=2007 |publisher=Politico's Publishing |isbn=978-1-84275-194-7}}
* {{Cite book |last=O'Hara |first=Kieron|author-link=Kieron O'Hara |title=After Blair: David Cameron and the Conservative Tradition |year=2007 |publisher=Icon Books |isbn=978-1-84046-795-6}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Lee |first1=Simon |last2=Beech |first2=Matt |title=The Conservatives under David Cameron: Built to Last? |year=2009 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-0-230-57565-3}}
* {{Cite book |last=Snowdon |first=Peter|author-link=Peter Snowdon |title=Back from the Brink: The Extraordinary Fall and Rise of the Conservative Party |year=2010 |publisher=HarperPress |isbn=978-0-00-730884-2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Hitchens |first=Peter|author-link=Peter Hitchens |title=The Cameron Delusion |year=2010 |publisher=Continuum |isbn=978-1-4411-3505-6}}
* {{Cite book |last=Jones |first=Dylan |author-link=Dylan Jones |title=Cameron on Cameron: Conversations with Dylan Jones |year=2010 |publisher=Fourth Estate |isbn=978-0-00-728537-2 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/camerononcameron0000came}}
* {{Cite book |last=Seymour |first=Richard|author-link=Richard Seymour (21st-century writer) |title=The Meaning of David Cameron |year=2010 |publisher=O Books |isbn=978-1-84694-456-7}}
* {{Cite book |last=Bale |first=Tim |author-link=Tim Bale |title=The Conservative Party: From Thatcher to Cameron |year=2011 |publisher=Polity Press |isbn=978-0-7456-4858-3}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Lee |first1=Simon |last2=Beech |first2=Matt |title=The Cameron-Clegg Government: Coalition Politics in an Age of Austerity |year=2011 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-0-230-29644-2}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Heppell |first1=Timothy |last2=Seawright |first2=David |title=Cameron and the Conservatives: The Transition to Coalition Government |year=2012 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-0-230-31410-8}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Toynbee |first1=Polly|author-link=Polly Toynbee |last2=Walker |first2=David |title=Dogma and Disarray: Cameron at Half-Time |year=2012 |publisher=Mount Caburn Publishing |isbn=978-0-9573953-0-5}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Toynbee |first1=Polly |last2=Walker |first2=David |title=Cameron's Coup |year=2015 |publisher=Guardian Books |isbn=978-1-78335-043-8|title-link=Cameron's Coup}}

===Published works by and about===
* [https://www.theguardian.com/profile/davidcameron David Cameron's articles] at ''The Guardian''
* David Cameron: ''My Legacy: What I Will Be Remembered For''. [[CreateSpace]] Independent Publishing Platform 2017, {{ISBN|978-1-542-56472-4}} (50 p.)

===Political career===
{{UK MP links |parliament=mr-david-cameron/1467 |hansard=mr-david-cameron |hansardcurr=2439 |guardian=6188/david-cameron |publicwhip=David_Cameron |theywork=david_cameron |record=avid-Cameron/Witney/661 |bbc=25752.stm |journalisted=david-cameron}}

===Video===
* {{TED speaker|david_cameron}}
* {{C-SPAN|1000702}}
* {{IMDb name|2090098}}

===News coverage===
* {{AlJazeera topic|person/david-cameron}}
* {{Guardian topic}}
* {{NYT topic|people/c/david_cameron}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090302161529/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/david-cameron/ David Cameron] collected news and commentary at ''The Daily Telegraph''
* Brian Wheeler, [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4502656.stm The David Cameron story], ''[[BBC News]]'', 6 December 2005

==External links==
{{Sister project links|author=yes|wikt=no|v=no|b=no|n=Category:David Cameron|commons=Category:David Cameron|d=Q192}}

* {{IMDb name}}
* [https://members.parliament.uk/member/1467/contact Profile] at UK Parliament
* [https://www.gov.uk/government/people/david-cameron David Cameron] official government website
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160409010953/https://www.conservatives.com/OurTeam/David_Cameron David Cameron] official Conservative Party profile
*{{Curlie|Regional/Europe/United_Kingdom/Society_and_Culture/History/Parliament/Prime_Ministers/Cameron%2C_David/}}
* {{YouTube|id=z9hqE5HVVQk|title=A Day in the Life of David Cameron|channel=|show=|time=0s}}

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