Lord David Howell

Former UK Secretary of State for Energy & Transport, Senior Foreign Office Minister, International Relations Leader & One of Britain’s Most Experienced Voices on Global Affairs & Energy Policy

Lord David Howell’s Biography:

Lord David Howell is one of Britain’s longest-serving and most experienced political figures, with a distinguished career spanning more than six decades in government, international relations, energy policy and economic commentary. A former Secretary of State for Energy and later Transport under Margaret Thatcher, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s approach to energy security, transport strategy, foreign affairs and global diplomacy. He was appointed Minister of State for International Energy Policy in 2010 and served as Chair of the House of Lords International Relations Committee until 2019, reaffirming his position as one of Westminster’s most knowledgeable voices on global affairs.

His early career laid a strong intellectual foundation. Educated at King’s College, Cambridge, he graduated with first-class honours in economics before joining HM Treasury’s Economic Section. He then moved into journalism, spending four years as a leader writer and correspondent for The Daily Telegraph. This period sharpened his skills as an economic analyst and commentator, eventually leading to the publication of several books on economics, freedoms and global power structures. His work caught the attention of the government, and in 1966, he was elected MP for Guildford, beginning a long and influential parliamentary career.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Lord Howell became a leading authority in foreign policy and energy. He chaired the Foreign Affairs Select Committee from 1987, shaped policy through senior Cabinet roles and continued to hold high office within the Conservative Party, eventually becoming Deputy Leader of the House of Lords between 2005 and 2010. After being made a life peer in 1997, he continued influencing national and international policy and went on to advise the Foreign Secretary on energy and resource security between 2012 and 2013.

Today, Lord Howell remains a prominent voice in global energy strategy and international cooperation. He has chaired the Windsor Energy Group since 2003, served as President of the British Institute of Energy Economics, and chairs The Commonwealth Societies Association. A respected commentator, author and policy adviser, he continues to influence debates on energy, geopolitics and the future of international relations.

Why Hire Lord David Howell?

Lord David Howell brings unmatched insight into government leadership, foreign policy, energy security and global economic change. With decades of high-level experience in Cabinet, Parliament and international diplomacy, he provides audiences with a deep, practical understanding of global risks, international alliances and the geopolitics of energy. His experience as a journalist and author gives him a clear, engaging communication style, making him a powerful choice for organisations seeking authoritative analysis of political landscapes, future energy systems and global strategic challenges.

Lord David Howell’s Career Highlights:

Below showcases Lord David Howell’s exceptional career from politics to sustainability:

• 2025 – Contributed to a key House of Lords debate on national debt and fiscal policy, offering expert guidance on long-term economic strategy.
• 2016 – Appointed Chair of the House of Lords International Relations Committee, overseeing scrutiny of the UK’s foreign policy.
• 2013 – Became President of the Energy Industries Council, supporting the development of the global energy sector.
• 2012 – Served as Personal Adviser to the Foreign Secretary on Energy and Resource Security.
• 2010 – Appointed Minister of State for International Energy Policy in the Foreign Office.
• 2005 – Became Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Lords.
• 2003 – Appointed Chairman of the Windsor Energy Group, focusing on global energy diplomacy.
• 1997 – Created a life peer as Baron Howell of Guildford, joining the House of Lords.
• 1987 – Appointed Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.
• 1980 – Served as Secretary of State for Energy and then Secretary of State for Transport under Margaret Thatcher.
• 1979 – Continued in high office as Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and senior Conservative figure.
• 1966 – Elected MP for Guildford, beginning over 30 years in Parliament.
• 1960 – Served as lead writer and special correspondent at The Daily Telegraph.