Page "Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston" Paragraph 56

After a brief period of Conservative minority government, the Earl of Aberdeen became Prime Minister in a coalition government of Whigs and Peelites ( with Russell taking the role of Foreign Secretary and Leader of the House of Commons ).

Being impossible for them to form a government without Palmerston, he was made Home Secretary in December 1852.

Many people considered this a curious appointment because Palmerston's expertise was so obviously in foreign affairs.

There was a story that after a great wave of strikes swept Northern England, the Queen summoned Palmerston to discuss the situation.

When she enquired after the latest news, Palmerston is said to have replied: " There is no definite news, Madam, but it seems certain that the Turks have crossed the Danube ".