What Will Be the Foreign Policy of the New UK Government?
The Conservative Party governed the United Kingdom for 14 years, during which the British saw five different Prime Ministers. Each tried to address internal issues as well as manage foreign affairs in their own ways.
Amid several years of political instability, former Prime Minister Liz Truss’s 46-day tenure ended in October 2022, leading to Conservative leader and Indian-origin politician Rishi Sunak becoming Prime Minister. Although an election was constitutionally scheduled for 2025, he called for an early election, aiming to solidify his power.
However, the British public did not give Sunak that opportunity. In the general election on Thursday (July 4), the British voted against the Conservative Party, granting the Labour Party the chance to govern. Following a disastrous defeat, Sunak resigned from his position as the leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister.
Labour leader Keir Starmer was appointed Prime Minister by King Charles III. Immediately after his appointment, Starmer began forming his government. Like every previous Prime Minister, he has promised changes to the government and its activities. There is much discussion about how British foreign policy will be under a Labour-led government.
According to AFP, the first month of Keir Starmer’s premiership will be marked by intense international diplomacy. In his first month, he will meet with US President Joe Biden and European leaders. His initial step in the international arena will be to attend the NATO summit.
The NATO summit's 75th anniversary will commence on Tuesday (July 9) in Washington and continue until Thursday (July 11). On July 18, he will host a European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace near Oxford, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Olaf Scholz.
Labour leaders have pledged to base their foreign policy on "progressive realism." Potential Foreign Minister David Lammy stated, "The world is now more unstable. It is not as we wish it to be."
The party has also promised to implement the Brexit deal that brought Britain out of the European Union, along with a security agreement with the EU.
Furthermore, the Starmer administration may adopt different approaches to significant issues like China, the Ukraine war, and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to an AFP report, Lammy stated at a press conference this week that the government will conduct a "full audit" of all government departments and offices to determine the "direction and course" of China policy.
Last year, Starmer said in a speech that the UK needs to reduce its dependence on China in matters such as business, trade, and technology. However, he acknowledged the importance of cooperative actions with the influential Asian country on issues like climate change.
Maintaining a balance between security and the UK's trade and economic interests will be challenging. The matter may become more complicated with the potential return of Donald Trump after the US presidential election in November. It is expected that Trump will pressure allies to take a tougher stance against Beijing.
Apart from this, the UK will need to take a stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Labour Party has pledged to recognize Palestine as a state.
Additionally, the party previously stated it wants to increase aid to Gaza and immediately secure a ceasefire and release all hostages. The UK supports resolving this conflict, but it remains uncertain whether it can do so due to the influence of the United States.
Starmer will also have to play a significant role concerning the Russia-Ukraine war. Although he has always spoken in support of Ukraine before the election, the UK is a staunch supporter of Ukraine.
Rishi Sunak’s government provided financial aid, weapons, and military training to help resist Russia’s attack. It remains to be seen what role Starmer will take on after assuming the new government's responsibilities
