Change of British High Commissioner to Malta

Robert Haydon Vernon Luke has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Malta. He will succeed Louise Jane Stanton OBE who will be transferring to another diplomatic service appointment.

Luke will take up his appointment during October 2012.

Luke joined the diplomatic Service in 2000 from the Millennium Commission, and has served overseas in Brazil and most recently in Paris, as Counsellor for Justice and Home Affairs. In London he has worked on the Middle East Peace Process and the international criminal tribunals. He is married with three children.

"The links between the United Kingdom and Malta are of course particularly strong. I am honoured to be entrusted with deepening those ties yet further, recognising the importance of our shared past and ensuring our partnership remains as close as possible in response to today's challenges," Luke said.

"I look forward to working with the Maltese authorities, and immersing myself in the country more generally, as we collaborate across the full range of our shared interests both bilaterally and as partners in the European Union, the Commonwealth and other international organisations."