02/07/2010
Hague Sets Out UK's Foreign Policy
In a keynote speech at the Foreign Office in London, William Hague has outlined Coalition plans for a "clear, focused and effective" foreign policy.
He criticised the previous Labour Government for neglecting to lift its eyes to the wider strategic needs of this county and failing to secure our influence in a rapidly changing world.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Secretary set out five key areas for pursuing a distinctive British foreign policy.
These include establishing a National Security Council and launching a Strategic Defence & Security Review and bringing together all of the Departments of Government in the pursuit of national objectives.
He also wants to use national strengths and advantages to build strong bilateral relationships for the UK. They include the world-class education system, the standing of our Armed Forces and quality of our Intelligence Services and GCHQ, which are unique and of inestimable value.
Mr Hague also said he was encouraging the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to be more ambitious in articulating and leading Britain's efforts overseas and to give due weight to Britain's membership of the European Union and other multilateral institutions, including NATO, the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
Concluding the speech, William said: "We are now raising our sights for the longer term, looking at the promotion of British interests in the widest sense," adding "the next 20 years is likely to be a time of increased danger in foreign affairs, it is also a time of extraordinary opportunity for a country that sets out to make the most of its still great advantages."
(BMcC/GK)
He criticised the previous Labour Government for neglecting to lift its eyes to the wider strategic needs of this county and failing to secure our influence in a rapidly changing world.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Secretary set out five key areas for pursuing a distinctive British foreign policy.
These include establishing a National Security Council and launching a Strategic Defence & Security Review and bringing together all of the Departments of Government in the pursuit of national objectives.
He also wants to use national strengths and advantages to build strong bilateral relationships for the UK. They include the world-class education system, the standing of our Armed Forces and quality of our Intelligence Services and GCHQ, which are unique and of inestimable value.
Mr Hague also said he was encouraging the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to be more ambitious in articulating and leading Britain's efforts overseas and to give due weight to Britain's membership of the European Union and other multilateral institutions, including NATO, the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
Concluding the speech, William said: "We are now raising our sights for the longer term, looking at the promotion of British interests in the widest sense," adding "the next 20 years is likely to be a time of increased danger in foreign affairs, it is also a time of extraordinary opportunity for a country that sets out to make the most of its still great advantages."
(BMcC/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.