The case for a values-based foreign policy

With all the uncertainties of Brexit and the global response to Covid-19, it may seem sensible for the government to delay the publication of its Integrated Review of security, defence, foreign and development policies, which was expected this month.

Yet, if 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we need to learn to live with uncertainties—and find better ways of managing them. When it comes to Britain’s role on the world stage, we are long overdue a compelling vision for what Global Britain stands for, and how this will manifest across government. The opportunities offered by the incoming Biden administration in the United States increases the urgency to set this out. We need strong, principled leadership now, not further delays.

Since the Brexit referendum, the failure to articulate a coherent and compelling framework for British foreign policy has opened the door to several dangerous tendencies: a nationalist retreat, a mercantalist urge to strike trade deals at all costs, and a neo-imperialist urge to build “Empire 2.0.”

Without a consistent approach based on agreed principles, the country finds itself in a sort of values void that enables unacceptable contradictions to emerge. For example, one branch of government restarts arms sales to Saudia Arabia despite an appeal court ruling that they could have been used to break international law in Yemen. Meanwhile, another provides humanitarian aid to support millions of Yemeni people made homeless and hungry by conflict.

The Integrated Review is an important opportunity to set out a powerful, coherent ambition for UK foreign policy based on the internationalist values we have long championed: commitments to human rights, democracy, the international rule of law, and freedom to trade fairly—as well as building on our proud record of tackling poverty and extending that to inequality. Earlier this year, Oxfam and The Foreign Policy Centre suggested the government develop a “Global Britain Values Test,” which would see all major policy and spending decisions with an international dimension measured against stated values.

For me, the merger of Dfid and the FCO, rushed through before the expected consultation, emphasised how these risks could play out. Language depicting aid as a giant cashpoint in the sky feeds into a very tired, and sometimes racist, portrayal of what development is about. While mergers can work well with the right oversight and accountability, this felt like it was being done for the wrong reasons and at the wrong time, in pursuit of an agenda that independent experts had warned may lead to worse outcomes for the world’s poorest people. The new FCDO must now prove it can deliver effective, quality aid for the most vulnerable that is not driven by a narrow view of national interest.

As we decide what kind of country we want to be post-Brexit, a joined-up, values-based approach would create a common thread that can bind together efforts in development, diplomacy, trade and more. The UK should have the confidence to stand up for what it believes in, so that economic interest does not come at the expense of principles such as equity and justice.

A commitment to embed our values would help to navigate a path through inevitable tensions. For example, being clear that respect for workers’ rights and human rights are paramount as trade deals are negotiated and that plans to exploit the digital economy’s potential protect people's privacy and data.

I also believe that, at a time of rising nationalism and shrinking civic space, the world needs a Britain that can carry the torch for a liberal, rules-based world order. As a medium-sized power, albeit one with considerable assets, the UK will need to use its influence not just to defend the importance of global rules and multilateral decision-making, but also to explore more inclusive processes, new alliances based on shared values, and fresh approaches to global challenges from poverty to the climate emergency.

I remain optimistic. I do think that Britain will continue its role as a thoughtful player on the world stage. Yes, there are some fundamental changes needed, not least about evolving our institutions to be more representative, and to shift power. But the public appetite for change is clear, from the Black Lives Matter movement forcing us to confront racism and our colonial legacy, to climate protesters calling for radical action. At the same time, there is a growing desire for Covid-19 to mark a break with harmful habits of the past.

For all the uncertainty, one thing is clear. Whatever choices Britain makes now will affect not just those of us who live here, but will also shape the diplomatic environment we have to work within for decades, and our world’s collective ability to respond to the crises we all face.