JACK Straw today began to get to grips with world affairs and the all-important Euro debate after being appointed Foreign Secretary in a surprise move by Tony Blair.

The Blackburn MP had been widely tipped for a switch to transport and environment after Labour's landslide election victory.

He replaces Robin Cook in the Foreign Office and former Education Secretary David Blunkett takes over from Mr Straw as Home Secretary.

Mr Straw's new role will see him travel the world, particularly to trouble spots.

He had been Home Secretary since Labour's 1997 election and won praise for his stance on crime.

But he was also criticised by civil liberties groups for his tough line on asylum seekers and young troublemakers.

Mr Straw retained his position as MP for Blackburn with a 9,249 majority. He has been MP for Blackburn since succeeding Barbara Castle in 1979.

His other political role before that was as a councillor on Islington Borough Council from 1971 to 1978.

Mr Straw was spokesman for environment, education, and home affairs when Labour was in opposition.