Independent Thinking
Europe, Trump and Chagos: What will UK foreign policy look like in 2025?
Dec 6, 2024
Join James Landale, BBC’s diplomatic editor, Anand Menon, an expert on UK-Europe relations, and Olivia O’Sullivan, director at Chatham House, as they dissect UK foreign policy under Keir Starmer. They tackle the challenges of the UK's relationship with Europe, the implications of the Chagos Islands sovereignty debate, and how these factors could shape Britain's global standing by 2025. With rising geopolitical tensions, they discuss the necessity for strategic leadership to redefine the UK's role on the world stage.
39:15
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Quick takeaways
- The UK government faces challenges in defining a coherent foreign policy while trying to balance relations with both the US and Europe.
- The controversial Chagos Islands deal has raised concerns over sovereignty and military access, reflecting a lack of engagement with affected communities.
Deep dives
The Shift in UK Foreign Policy
The recent changes in UK foreign policy prioritize working with both America and Europe, rejecting the notion that the UK must choose between the two. The new government has focused on increased presence and engagement, with notable international summits where they emphasized a collaborative approach. Critics highlight that despite this presence, the government lacks a clear and coherent strategy that defines its foreign policy direction and objectives. There is a prevailing sense of caution among diplomats regarding what the UK truly stands for on the global stage five months after the change in leadership.
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