In January 1946, Ernest Bevin, then the foreign secretary, found himself navigating through a thick fog of geopolitical uncertainties. The devastation of the Second World War was still fresh, and the prolonged Cold War was just beginning to cast its shadow. Predicting the future was nearly impossible, even for the next six months, let alone years ahead.
But Bevin was not one to simply sit idle, waiting for uncertainty to dissipate. Known for his proactive approach, he understood the importance of action—not just talking about Britain’s needs, but actually shaping its future. This conviction was evident in Clement Attlee’s 1945 general election manifesto, aptly titled Let Us Face the Future.
Today, we find ourselves in a similar period of great uncertainty. At the core of our efforts is the security of Britain, which involves confronting geopolitical threats, especially as Europe grapples with conflict. The lines dividing foreign and domestic policies have become more intertwined than ever before.
Securing the British people’s safety involves taking a firm stand against the Kremlin, working with allies to deter Vladimir Putin’s regime, and tackling the issue of dirty money flowing through financial hubs like London.
Furthermore, boosting the British economy means capitalizing on global opportunities, particularly in sectors like clean energy. We need to clearly communicate our strengths in education, technology, and professional services to foreign businesses and investors.
Irregular migration is an area where foreign and domestic policies overlap significantly. Without the Foreign Office’s involvement, addressing this challenge and implementing our Plan for Change to secure Britain’s borders is virtually impossible. A practical strategy calls for determined diplomacy with partners along migration routes.
The current government, from the prime minister down, fully comprehends the complexity of this challenge. Some may argue that migration isn’t a progressive issue, but they miss the point. It’s not progressive to allow exploitation of the vulnerable or let criminal gangs profit and wreak havoc on British streets.
That’s why today I’m unveiling our new legislative initiative aimed at introducing sanctions specifically targeting irregular migration and organized immigration crime. This groundbreaking regime will help deter and disrupt illegal migration activities into the UK.
We’re poised to be the first nation globally to implement such a sanctions framework. This will be a powerful tool against those who endanger lives for profit. I am working closely with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and our new joint irregular migration unit to utilize every available resource to reclaim control over our borders.
We need strategic interventions not just on UK shores but also in countries of origin and transit. It’s through collaborative efforts that we can enforce stronger borders, dismantle trafficking networks, and repatriate those who are unlawfully present. Our projects in locations like Vietnam and Iraq showcase this collaborative spirit. Importantly, our diplomatic acumen will play a crucial role.
These initiatives are part of broader changes ensuring the Foreign Office fully supports the ambitions of Britain’s diligent populace. We’re no longer in the post-Cold War era—the landscape has shifted, marked by numerous conflicts and unprecedented levels of refugees worldwide.
Our foreign policy needed to evolve in response. Drawing inspiration from Bevin, I have embraced what I term ‘progressive realism.’ This involves engaging with the world as it is, pursuing a steady strategy in our international relations, and avoiding extreme shifts concerning Europe and China.
Times of significant change provide an opportunity to scrutinize our institutions and implement necessary reforms. Over the last six months, I have witnessed incredible dedication from Foreign Office personnel globally. However, it’s apparent that there’s a need to align more closely with domestic objectives for the UK’s benefit. Therefore, I have directed my department to enhance its role and capabilities to maximize contributions to the nation’s growth and security.
With a clear foreign policy aligned with the government’s vision for change, we stand ready to embrace and shape a promising future.
David Lammy is the British Foreign Secretary
If you have thoughts on the issues highlighted in this article, and you’d like to submit a response of up to 300 words for potential publication in our letters section, please click here.
