Lord David Frost, the top negotiator behind Brexit, discusses UK's foreign policy, Ukraine-Russia conflict, and critique of Israel's actions in Gaza with Julia Macfarlane and former MI6 Chief, Sir Richard Dearlove. They also delve into Brexit challenges, economic impacts, future of Conservative Party, and global power dynamics in international politics.
Lord Frost highlights power dynamics over international law in diplomatic efforts.
Brexit's slow progress limits UK's ability to fully capitalize on opportunities post-EU exit.
Deep dives
Power Dynamics in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
Lord David Frost emphasizes the importance of power dynamics in diplomacy and foreign policy over strict adherence to international law. He criticizes the focus on international law when discussing conflicts like the one in Gaza, highlighting the significance of power in achieving strategic objectives. Frost's views underscore the critical role of power and influence in shaping international politics, urging a balanced approach that considers the dynamics of power in global interactions.
Brexit Challenges and Policy Implementation
Lord Frost discusses the challenges and consequences of Brexit, pointing out that the UK has not fully capitalized on the benefits of leaving the EU. He highlights the slow progress in making substantial changes post-Brexit, citing limitations imposed by existing agreements like the Northern Ireland protocol. Frost suggests that reluctance to pursue a more radical path post-Brexit has hindered the country's ability to leverage the opportunities that leaving the EU presented.
Conservative Party Dynamics and Policy Direction
Reflecting on the Conservative Party's trajectory, Lord Frost expresses concern about the party's policies and leadership under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He highlights a disconnect between the party's direction and the expectations of Brexit supporters, emphasizing the need for a shift towards more conservative policies such as lower taxes and stronger stances on immigration. Frost underlines the importance of aligning party strategies with core conservative principles to address the discontent among voters and regain traction.
Global Geopolitical Challenges and Strategic Responses
In analyzing global geopolitical challenges, Lord Frost considers the threats posed by Russia and China in the medium to long term. He suggests that while China represents a significant long-term challenge due to its economic power, Russia poses a more immediate threat. Frost advocates for reducing dependency on both nations to enhance national security, emphasizing the importance of a growing economy to fund defense efforts. He stresses the need for a strategic and diplomatic approach that upholds Western values and promotes resilience against external vulnerabilities.
Lord David Frost, Boris Johnson's pugnacious Brexit chief negotiator, was one of the driving forces behind the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union and a powerful force behind the scenes. But for a man who has had so much influence on British people's lives, he's not often heard from in detail. With time to reflect, Lord Frost sits down with One Decision's Julia Macfarlane and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove in the latest in a series looking at the state of UK politics ahead of the general elections, which could end 14 years of the British Conservative Party's rule. Frost also shares what he thinks of Britain's foreign policy, supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia and criticism of Israel and how it's conducting its war in Gaza.
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