Uma Kumaran, the Labour MP for Stratford and Bow and the first person of Eelam Tamil heritage elected to the British parliament, has been appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, becoming the first British Tamil to hold ministerial office. The appointment was confirmed on Wednesday evening as the new prime minister, Andy Burnham, set out his ministerial team. The Foreign Office is the department responsible for British foreign policy, including its position at the United Nations. Announcing the appointment, Kumaran said:"Honoured to be appointed as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Looking forward to serving our great country in @FCDOGovUK"She added that the news was:"Particularly meaningful to share this news today as the first ever Minister of British Tamil heritage.