Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK Government

In May 2010, Alistair Burt was appointed Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs. He is also responsible for counterterrorism, counter-proliferation, counter piracy and the Arab Partnership. The minister's current geographical portfolio includes the Middle East, North Africa, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and North America.

He is a qualified solicitor and executive recruitment consultant. Having first entered parliament almost 30 years ago, he was Member of Parliament for Bury North from 1983 until 1997. He has held the position of Member of Parliament for North East Bedfordshire since 2002.

Previous Government positions include Minister for the Opposition Assistant Chief Whip and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party (2008-10); Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government (2005-08); Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition (2002-05); Minister for Disabled People (1995-97); and Minister for Social Security (1992-95).

He is Honorary President of "Habitat for Humanity UK", and supports "World Vision" with sport. A keen runner, he has completed nine marathons.