01 Aug BFPG’s July Review
The new Government had little time to find its feet before being thrust onto the world stage, attending the NATO Summit just a few days after being elected and then hosting the European Political Community shortly after that. In many ways this has been a blessing for Keir Starmer and his team, providing an early opportunity to show leadership on the world stage and connect with international allies.
But the world hasn’t stopped while Starmer finds his feet, with an assassination attempt against former President Trump, and President Biden stepping back as the Democrat’s Presidential nominee. The US Vice President and probable Democrat presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, is now narrowing the gap to front-runner Donald Trump. July has also brought the Middle East back to the brink of regional warfare, with tensions between Israel and Iran-backed militia group Hezbollah intensifying. No doubt while Westminster winds down over August, the world of foreign policy will remain as turbulent as ever, and BFPG stands by to bring you analysis of the breaking geopolitical events, while many of you enjoy a break.
Election Analysis
The General Election: What it Means for UK Foreign Policy
With a new Government comes a flurry of questions as to what their foreign policy priorities might be and how the new Government might impact the UK’s role in the world. And while much will stay the same, not least the UK’s commitment to NATO and Ukraine, we have already seen fairly substantial movements in the UK’s approach to both Europe and the Middle East. Following a series of blogs for our ‘Election Watch’, we’ve brought all our insights together into one comprehensive analysis piece, which outlines everything you can expect to see from the new government on foreign policy.
READ IT HERE
Unsurprisingly, the implications the election will have on UK foreign policy have been of significant interest both in the UK and abroad. BFPG have therefore been busy providing commentary to outlets all over the world on what it all means. Below are some of the highlights.
- The Challenges Keir Starmer faces as the new UK Prime Minister – PBS News. WATCH IT HERE
- Foreign Policy Implications of the 2024 General Election – Times Radio. LISTEN HERE
- What will a Labour Government mean for Africa? – Africa Report. READ IT HERE
The Future of UK Defence Policy
With national security proving to be one of the more prominent foreign policy questions in the 2024 general election, Labour has been quick to try and reinforce its commitment to national and European security and shore up its reputation on defence. With the Government quickly plunged into a NATO Summit too, and the announcement of a new defence review, this month has seen a lot of focus on UK national security. Some of the highlights of BFPG’s analysis of both Labour’s plans for defence and the challenges facing the wider security environment are below.
The new ‘axis powers’ – how worried should we be? – Sky News
As talk of a new ‘axis of powers’ – China, Russia, Iran and North Korea – grows, BFPG Director Evie Aspinall sat down with Sky News to discuss the threat posed by these powers and how much they are really coordinating. READ IT HERE.
The Strategic Defence Review: Challenges and Opportunities – BFPG/The D Group
In light of the new Government’s announcement of the upcoming strategic review of defence, BFPG Director Evie Aspinall and The D Group’s Managing Director Seumas Kerr CBE sat down to discuss what a new strategic defence review would, and should, cover. READ IT HERE.
Labour’s Security and Defence Policy – LBC
BFPG spoke to LBC about Labour’s plans to increase defence spending, its commitment to NATO and maintaining support for Ukraine. LISTEN HERE.
Public Opinion on Climate Change
In a year of elections, public opinion is having a defining impact on governments’ willingness to lead in solving the international climate crisis. But what do the public really think? And where does the future lie for international climate leadership? On the 16th July, BFPG was delighted to co-host an event with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung exploring the state of public opinion on climate change and how to build public support for climate leadership across Europe. Thanks to all who attended and particularly to our speakers Claudia Detsch, Dr Adam Corner, Ruth Townend and Dr Liam F Beiser-McGrath.
