David Burton is Minister and Deputy Ambassador at the British Embassy in Rome, having served as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim for Italy and San Marino for several months in early 2026.
He took up his role as Minister and Deputy Ambassador at the British Embassy in Rome in August 2024.
Throughout his career, David has worked on a wide range of issues, including Europe, South Asia, the G7/G20, international justice, human rights, counter-terrorism, and communications. His overseas postings have included Ankara (Turkey), Colombo (covering Sri Lanka and the Maldives), and The Hague (covering the Netherlands and international tribunals). Most recently, he served as Deputy Geopolitical Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in London.
In 2018, David was awarded an OBE for his services to British foreign policy in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Originally from Glasgow, David studied law at the University of Strathclyde and holds a master’s degree in international law from University College London.
