Agenda
Britain’s overall external policy priorities for 2012 and 2013 are increasing security, increasing prosperity and developing its consular presence.
The main priorities for UK foreign policy are to reduce the risk for international terrorism, contribute to the success of Britain’s effort in Afghanistan, help to build a stable Pakistan, prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, prevent and support conflict resolution in fragile states, promote British economy, and improve global economic environment.
Institutional Structure
Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) governs Britain’s external politics. The FCO works for promoting British Interests overseas, supporting British citizens and British businesses around the world. The FCO works with international institutions such as EU, NATO and the United Nation to promote British interests and global security.
Within the British Parliament the Foreign Affairs Committee is appointed to monitor the policy, administration and expenditure of the FCO and its associated public bodies, including the British Council and the BBC World Service. The committee consists of eleven Members of Parliament who come from the three largest political parties in Britain; Labour, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.
Trade
It is the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BID) that has the responsibility for economic growth in Britain. BIS works on some of following topics; Business and enterprise, employment, Higher education, trade and investment, consumer rights and issues and science and innovation.
Defence
In the United Kingdom it is the Ministry of Defence, which protect the security, independence and interests of UK at home and abroad. The Ministry of Defence’s aim is to ensure that the British armed forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that this is kept within budget. The Ministry of Defence has seven military tasks that for example include defending the UK and its overseas territories, provide nuclear deterrence, providing security for stabilization and so on.
In 2012 and 2013 the Ministry of Defence has outlined that its priorities are among others to continue to bring stability to Afghanistan as part of the international task force and prepare for handover to the Afghans in 2014.
Budget
Budget for foreign policy
Foreign and Commonwealth’s office budget has in recent years been under pressure. The pressure on FCO’s budget has arisen from increased demands on UK’s presence in dangerous and vulnerable locations such as Irak, rising UK subscriptions and other obligatory dues to international organizations and so on. Furthermore, the Coalition government also announced its emergency budget (Spending Review) in 2010, which led to a cut in FCO’s budget. FCO’s budget for 2011/2012 was £1497 millions, but should for the year 2014-2015 be cut to £1165 millions.
Defence
UK’s defence spending for the year 2011/2012 was £37, 2 billion, where the majority of the expenditure was spent on the military.
UK Defence Statistics
PM David Cameron has also admitted that the defence budget is no longer protected from cuts after 2015.
Humanitarian Aid
Like the other two budgets, the Spending Review has also affected the budget for humanitarian aid. The Department for International Development’s budget for 2011-2012 was 8,1 billions. However, it is the Coalition Government’s promise to use 0,7 of National Gross Domestic Product on aid from 2013.
Challenges
Relationship to the European Union
Regarding UK’s external policy a major challenge is how a EU-exit will affect UK and its voice around the world. From the countries in EU the message is clear, but also US warns UK and has said that it can risk isolation by leaving the European Union.
Terrorism
UK is not only dealing with terrorism fear from overseas, but also from inside the country as homegrown terrorist is a rising problem.
Migration
UK has a great debate about migration, especially migrants coming from Bulgaria and Rumania. The issues addressed in the debate are that this migrant take advantage of the British Welfare system and that this group of immigrants has a high number of criminal acts.
Key Policies
Trade
In December 2012 BIS announced that the government wants to help double the UK’s exports to £1 trillion by 2020 and attract more inward investment in UK infrastructure project. BIS informs that to reach this goal UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) offers several services to businesses looking to export from or invest in the UK.
Humanitarian Aid
UK has a great funding to vulnerable and poor countries such as Syria, Pakistan and Somalia. UK is especially involved in the humanitarian crisis in Syria caused by the civil war. UK was one of the first to respond to the crisis in Syria by providing vital food, medical care and other necessities.
Key Figures
Defence
Figures on UK’s defence can be found at Defence Analytical Services and Advice (DASA), which provides professional analytical, economic and statistical services and advice to for example the Ministry of Defence.
Trade
Figures on UK trade can be found at Office for National Statistics (ONS), where other important figures about UK economy also can be found. The latest figures on UK trade shows that the country had 2,4 billion deficit in goods and services in January 2013, seasonally adjusted.
Miscellaneous
A possible British EU-exit it’s a great topic for different think thanks to discuss about. The Chatham House had an event where representatives from US, China, Turkey, and India gave their view on advantages and disadvantages of UK leaving the European Union.
Transition to Globalisation
The British chancellor George Osborne announced in the beginning of the year UK’s plans for infrastructure spending, low-carbon energy, shale gas, and fuel duty. Osborne for example wants to create a low-carbon energy that creates job, which the Government will invest in.
Globalisation>Environment
Transition to Political Tools
As mentioned earlier one of UK’s top foreign priorities is the humanitarian crisis in Syria, which is going to take a lot focus when UK will have the presidency for G8 In the summer of 2013.
Political tools > Global > G8-G77
Transition to Political Actors
Britain’s two biggest political parties are the Labour and the Conservatives. Normally, one of them sits at the power in a majority Government. However, the election in 2010 led to Coalition Government with the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.
Political Actors>Political Parties>National>UK
