In Focus: Britain’s Global Role Policy Commission

This is the latest blog focusing on Labour’s democratic policy making process, Agenda 2015. You can read last week’s blog on the Better Politics paper here.

It’s difficult to understate the pace of change and the scale of the challenge facing Britain in the coming decade, and this applies to foreign policy as much as domestic politics.

In today’s world, the geopolitical landscape is constantly evolving. From the financial crisis in the Eurozone, to the instability we have witnessed in Libya and Mali, to the ongoing conflict in Syria, and humanitarian disasters in south-east Asia. The effects of globalisation mean that what once affected one state, can now affect all. So, as well as national foreign policy prescriptions, global solutions are required to tackle the challenges shared by the international community.

The UK is ingrained in the networks and alliances that make up the international community. We remain the seventh largest economy in the world and, in London, we have one of the world’s pre-eminent financial centres. We host world-class sporting events, such as the London Olympics, and this year Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games. And we hold membership not just of the EU, but also of NATO, the G8, the G20, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations Security Council. Together this gives the UK both the opportunity and the responsibility to exercise international leadership.

Throughout the year, the Britain’s Global Role Policy Commission has discussed matters relating foreign policy, defence and international development. We’ve gratefully received numerous submissions through the Your Britain website and we’ve heard expert evidence from the likes of RUSI, Policy Network, Human Rights Watch and the European Council on Foreign Affairs – to name but a few.

Under the headings of the global economy, security, defence, diplomacy and international development, our final year consultation document reflects the views we’ve heard and the discussions we’ve had. The Commission wants to build upon Labour’s legacy in power and have an outward-facing Britain. On climate change, counter-terrorism, preventing organised crime, tackling extreme poverty, institutional reform – we want Britain’s voice heard and to be at the forefront of the debate.

But the discussion does not stop there and more work needs to be done. If you have views on Labour’s international policy – perhaps on how we should reform the European Union, how we improve the transition from military to civilian life for our veterans, what we can do to help secure international worker’s rights, or how we better respond to humanitarian disasters – then we want to hear from you. Send us your thoughts here. We’ll discuss all submissions received ahead of the National Policy Forum in July, and we look forward to seeing and debating the amendments that come in from CLPs and affiliates when we get there.

Internationalism lies at the heart of the Labour Party and our approach continues to be driven by our core values of equality, social justice and opportunity for all. Under a Labour Government, Britain will lead by example, working with our partners worldwide to promote our values and beliefs and to defend our national interests. Only by doing so can we hope to build a better, safer and more secure world, in which everyone can reach their full potential and prosper.

Ellie Reeves is a member of Labour’s NEC and co-convenor of the Britain’s Global Role Policy Commission. The Policy Paper can be read here.