The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, today laid before Parliament a Government White Paper, setting out priorities for UK international policy over the next five to ten years.

The White Paper, entitled 'UK International Priorities: A Strategy for the FCO', describes in greater detail how the FCO intends to work, with others and through its network of over 200 diplomatic missions abroad, to help the Government meet these aims. It provides a framework for the FCO to focus its work and build flexibility to respond to new threats and challenges, on behalf of the UK.

In a written statement to Parliament, Mr Straw said:

'This is a time of significant change in international relations. Domestic and international policy are becoming ever more intertwined as a result of globalisation, travel and technological advance. As a consequence, what happens abroad is of more immediate concern to all of us. The FCO will need to work systematically with other Government departments and with people outside Government including Parliamentarians, businesses, Trade Unions, NGOs and the media.'

'The issues are also changing. We have made great progress since the end of the cold war in achieving stability and democracy in Europe. But 11 September 2001 underlined in the starkest way that we needed to pay close attention to new problems and threats elsewhere in the world, which affect the security and prosperity of the UK and other countries. That message was most recently reinforced by the tragic events in Istanbul on 15 and 20 November 2003.

'The FCO Strategy analyses the ways in which we expect the world to change in the years ahead. I shall welcome public debate of this analysis. It concludes, among other things, that our foreign policy should focus on a broad agenda of issues with global impact: they include countering terrorism and weapons proliferation, acting to prevent state failure and climate change, and dealing effectively with poverty, corruption and conflict.'

'We shall need to build a wider, shared international understanding of how best to deal with these problems. They affect us all. We cannot afford to stand back from them. The UK must remain diplomatically active and engaged, and be able to exert global influence through diplomacy, advice, persuasion, aid and other economic assistance – and if necessary military force.'

Notes for Editors:

1. The FCO Strategy identifies eight international strategic priorities:
2. • A world safer from global terrorism and weapons of mass destruction
   • Protection of the UK from illegal immigration, drug trafficking and other international crime
   • An international system based on the rule of law, which is better able to resolve disputes and prevent conflicts
   • An effective EU in a secure neighbourhood
   • Promotion of UK economic interests in an open and expanding global economy
   • Sustainable development, underpinned by democracy, good governance and human rights
   • Security of UK and global energy supplies
   • Security and good governance of the UK’s Overseas Territories
3. The Foreign Secretary will host a reception to mark the launch on the evening of 2 December. Copies of his remarks will be available from the Press Office following the event.
4. Copies of the FCO Strategy are available from the FCO Press Office. The document can also be accessed from the FCO website - FCO Strategy.

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Foreign Secretary's written statement about the FCO Strategy...

Notes for Editors

 

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