UK Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy articulated a bold vision for Britain's foreign policy Monday, emphasizing significant shifts in international relations, climate commitments and economic growth if the Labour party wins parliamentary elections on July 4.
During a press briefing with foreign journalists, Lammy outlined his strategy for a progressive and pragmatic approach to global affairs should Labour triumph in the polls.
He highlighted the dramatic changes in the global landscape since Labour was last in power.
"Last time around, I remember as a young minister in (then-Prime Minister) Tony Blair's government, the British economy was six times the size of China's. Well, how the world has changed," he said.
Acknowledging the current multipolar environment, he stressed the necessity for Britain to adapt and redefine its role on the global stage.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the UK under the Conservative government, Lammy said "Britain feels more divided than at any time that I can remember. We have had slow growth or no growth under this government, and we have looked insular in the global community, preoccupied with ourselves, and certainly not the global Britain that the Conservatives promise."
However, he remained optimistic about the nation's potential, citing its seat on the UN Security Council, extensive global relationships and unparalleled soft power.
- 3 resets in foreign policy
Outlining his foreign policy vision, Lammy called for several crucial resets.
"We need a reset with our relationship with Europe and the European Union, underpinned by a new EU, UK security pact. We need a reset on climate—it's been, frankly, unbelievable to see (Prime Minister) Rishi Sunak row back on our climate commitments. We want that UK leadership on the climate emergency once more, and we need a reset with the world's emerging middle powers and the global South."
Lammy also emphasized the need for economic growth to underpin foreign policy.
"Our country needs it. It's our number one mission for the country, and I will ensure that the Foreign Office is at the disposal of that number one mission."
- 'Labor party meeting the world as it is, not as we would wish it to be'
He also said the UK must play an important part particularly in global security, noting that with "tremendous issues in the Middle East, what I set out in progressive realism was a Labour party meeting the world as it is, not as we would wish it to be."
"And we must work with partners in the Middle East, particularly, I think, in the Gulf and the Arab states, to see the security and the two-state solution that we believe in," he added.
- 'Working with Arab partners is essential'
On the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East, Lammy emphasized the importance of collaboration with Arab partners.
"I was not a stranger to them, and I've maintained very, very close working relations right across the region. I said what I said on the conflict -- particularly, we want to see a cease-fire. We remain concerned about the aid. We want to see security on both sides, and the hostages must be released. Particularly, I think that working with Arab partners is essential."
He proposed the establishment of a new contact group, including Arab partners, to address these issues.
He also expressed concern about the growing tensions between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group.
"I remain very concerned about the risk and prospect of escalation in Lebanon. I was in Lebanon a few months ago. I'm in good contact with Amos Hochstein, the US coordinator on Lebanon. And of course, I will be very engaged from day one if we get across the line."
He concluded with a call for change, expressing hope for the upcoming election.
"If we have the privilege to serve our great country following our general election, and when I go into the Foreign Office, if that is what the British people determine in the next few days, there are some fundamental resets that will be essential."
