02 Oct BFPG’s September 2025 Review
September saw major upheaval in the top ranks of UK foreign policy leadership, with Yvette Cooper replacing David Lammy as Foreign Secretary and Lord Peter Mandelson being sacked as the UK’s Ambassador to the United States. A permanent Ambassador to the US is yet to be appointed and relatively little is known about Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper’s ambitions for her new role, although her conference speech, like many other Ministerial speeches at Labour party conference, made clear that pride in the UK, and in its flag, will become a central part of UK foreign policy, as Labour looks to fight off growing support for Reform UK.
All this uncertainty and change came at a critical moment in UK foreign policy, with the UK navigating a (broadly successful) second state visit from President Trump without a permanent US Ambassador, and announcing the recognition of a Palestinian state “to protect the viability of a two-state solution and create a path towards lasting peace”.
And as we look to October it won’t be getting any simpler – over the next few days we’ll learn more about the Gaza peace plan (and former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s potential involvement in it) and Europe will have to decide how to respond to Russia’s growing drone incursions across the continent. The new Foreign Secretary will have a lot on her plate. As ever, BFPG will be on hand with all the latest news and analysis as events unfold.
BFPG Out and About
BFPG itself had a very busy month in September, as things gets back underway after the summer break. Some highlights included:
Director Evie Aspinall joining the Club Three conference in Berlin last week, featuring as a panellist on a session on defence and society, co-hosted with the Gemeinnützige Hertie-Stiftung. The discussion brought together leaders from across Frace, Germany and the UK to explore the future of E3 defence and security cooperation.
BFPG also presented findings from its Annual Survey to the International Development Heads of Business members at its sister organisation, British Expertise International. The open discussion delived into the UK public’s current attitudes towards foreign policy and international engagement, and the role that communications must play in shifting the dial.
Finally, on Monday at Labour Party Conference, Evie Aspinall chaired a UNICEF UK and Progressive Britain panel discussion on Future-Proofing UK Aid. Evie was joined by Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Minister of State for Development, Alice MacDonald MP, Peymana Assad and Dr Philip Goodwin to explore how to maximise the effectiveness of international development and place children at the heart of Britain’s international aid strategy.
BFPG Analysis
BFPG Senior Advisor David Landsman argues that the UK’s recent defence reviews set out sweeping ambitions, but without defining a clear national interest, nor sufficient resources or public support, they remain ungrounded. This analysis calls for a realist reset for UK defence thinking. READ HERE
In a piece for Progressive Britain, BFPG Director Evie Aspinall considers how, even in a time of cost-of-living crises and tight fiscal rules, the government can, and must, build public support for national security. READ HERE
Press Coverage
During the media frenzy which was US President Trump’s second state visit to the UK, BFPG featured in outlets around the world discussing the outcomes and implications of the state visit. Highlights included:
– In NPR, the BFPG team noted that the UK can leverage Trump’s fascination with the royal family as a form of soft power, observing that his visit “opens the door” for the UK to wield influence via that affinity.
– In Reuters, BFPG representatives framed the Trump-Starmer meeting as part of a strategic recalibration. Given Starmer needs a positive international narrative, and Trump wants to show value in close ties, both sides see gains from cooperation.
– In iNews BFPG addressed the diplomatic tightrope for the UK of managing differences over the Middle East while maintaining bilateral ties, under the glare of a high-profile visit.
