Sir Nigel Sheinwald served as British Ambassador to the USA between 2007-2012, the culmination of a long career as one of Britain’s top diplomats. Other appointments include: Foreign Office Press Secretary from 1995 to 1998; Europe Director from 1998 to 2000; and UK Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the European Union from 2000 to 2003. From 2003 to 2007, he served as Foreign Policy and Defence Adviser under Prime Minister Tony Blair and as Head of the Cabinet Office Defence and Overseas Secretariat.