Britain in the world

Britain's new Conservative-Liberal coalition government gave the clearest signs yet that the years of slavishly following a policy line drawn by United States were over as Foreign Secretary William Hague announced the UK's new foreign policy agenda in London on Thursday.

Hague said relations with Washington would be "solid but not slavish" and pointedly omitted any reference to the phrase "special relationship" which has been a staple in statements referring to ties between the UK and the United States.

While attempting to distance Britain from the image of being the "poodle" of successive US governments, Hague's "vision of a new, distinctive British foreign policy" did not suggest that Europe would be the main beneficiary of the new government's change of direction on the world stage.

Instead of turning its attention to the power base of European politics across the water, Hague said Britain would develop its own identity and strategic role, following a new foreign-policy agenda which would differ in its "reach and ambition" from that pursued by the previous Labour governments.

As well as confirming that Britain would not join the euro-zone over the next five years of the new parliament, Hague - a well-known eurosceptic - rejected ideas of further and deeper political union with Brussels and instead announced the government's desire for "freeing up the single market to boost economic growth."

Hague says Britain will stay out EU's financial structures

Britain, Hague said, would not be contributing to the financial assistance offered to the beleaguered economies of the euro-zone in the foreseeable future as it would be "difficult at a time of economic constraint." However, while distancing Britain from the EU, Hague said that his government would like the EU to "use its collective weight more effectively on the world stage."

"In terms of joining the euro zone and keeping out of the bailout operations, this shows continuity with Labour's views on these topics," Thomas Klau, head of the Paris office of the European Council for Foreign Relations and an EU expert, told Deutsche Welle. "What Cameron and Hague have shown so far in Europe, and indeed in Washington, is that continuity is set to prevail over radical change."

"Earlier fears that a Tory or Tory-Liberal coalition government would usher in an era of clashes with the EU so far havn't materialised," he added. "This is largely down to the Liberals' inclusion in the coalition and the Tories making it clear they won't be stepping into Margaret Thatcher's shoes and waving her handbag about. They may be talking tough on the EU but it doesn't represent a huge shift away from polices Labour adopted under Tony Blair."

"In terms of questioning the EU's role in the world, there was some concern that the Tories would set up in opposition to the Lisbon Treaty and try to undermine the EU's regulations governing its operations abroad," Klau said. "There were even fears that they would be down right hostile to this but again, there has been little indication as yet that this will be the case. Hague has said that the EU should have a crucial role in certain areas, especially dealing with non-EU members, specifically Russia. So this policy announcement didn't really include anything worrying or shocking for the EU."

With the EU kept at arms length and the cosiness of former relations with the US reduced to a firm handshake, the new British foreign policy agenda focuses heavily on London's ambition to make its influence felt on the world stage.

New emphasis on taking lead on global issues

Rejecting ideas that Britain was in strategic and influential decline, Hague targeted increased engagement and cooperation with the emerging economies in the world and deepening of relations with countries in the Gulf and the Middle East, along with Brazil, Japan, India and China.

Foreign engagement would "run through the veins of the entire administration," Hague said, announcing the creation of a newly-established National Security Council which would ensure that the "new philosophy will be translated into action."

Hague highlighted Britain's continued role in Afghanistan, where the UK has 9,500 troops deployed, and relations with Pakistan as areas of prime importance. He added that Britain would continue to back a two-state solution in the Middle East and pursue a dual approach of "engagement and sanctions" in regard to Iran, while backing current moves in the United Nations to tighten punitive measures.

Prime Minister David Cameron recently called on the international community to "ratchet up" pressure on Tehran through sanctions in a bid to prevent the Islamic Republic pursuing what the West suspects is a nuclear weapons program.

Britain stands more chance of success with EU, say experts

"Britain's global policy is going to be shaped by the events which happen during the lifespan of this coalition," Klau said. "Will we see a clear break from Labour policies on climate change, financial regulation, Iran and the Middle East? Not necessarily. The Middle East in particular was a high priority for Blair and this will be the same for Cameron."

"Whether this ambitious Britain can make a meaningful contribution with global resonance outside of the EU is another matter," he added. "All major EU powers must recognise that there's not much governments can do when they act alone. The chances of success are low when their efforts are not within the framework of a joint EU initiative. The best they can hope for is a photo opportunity."

Almut Moeller, head of the Alfred von Oppenheim Centre for European Policy Studies at the German Council on Foreign Relations, agrees that it is impossible for any state to work individually with success on global issues without being part of a framework. But she believes that Britain could actually benefit from being more involved with the EU at this time, not less.

"This is actually a really good opportunity for Britain to become more engaged in European policies," Moeller told Deutsche Welle. "There is a will to cooperate and a consensus that it makes sense to work together so if the British want pursue certain goals and shape European policies, especially in security and defence issues, then this is the right time. There are a number of security and defence issues within the Lisbon Treaty which have stalled and there are no discussions being taken on these. Britain could give these and other policies which are lacking leadership the impetus they need."

Author: Nick Amies
Editor: Michael Knigge