BFPG's August 2026 Review
A review of BFPG’s activities and responses to the major global events of August 2026.
An update from BFPG,
For BFPG, August brought a valuable opportunity to reset and regroup after a busy July and to reflect on what’s ahead for UK foreign policy. July saw the launch of our eighth Annual Survey of UK Public Opinion on Foreign Policy and Global Affairs, as well as a report with Wilton Park titled Strengthening national resilience: building a whole-of-society and whole of government approach to national security, authored by BFPG Senior Researcher Jack Pannell.
All eyes on Ukraine – Burnham goes to Kyiv
August was marked by escalations in the war between Ukraine and Russia, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s state visit to Ukraine for the country’s Independence Day, and the announcement that Britain will continue its support for Ukraine and hand over long-range missile blueprints.
While Burnham's Kyiv visit sends the right signal abroad, BFPG polling shows the British public isn't following, and symbolism alone won't hold support over the years ahead, Jack Pannell writes in BFPG’s most recent piece. Read here.
BFPG Senior Fellow, Ed Arnold, spoke to Newsweek and the BBC about Russian threats – see the links above for more details.
The ‘Special Relationship’
In early August, Ed Miliband visited Washington, DC, where he met with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio. This visit was important for the new government, especially as UK public trust in the United States has fallen from 53% to 27% over the past two years, as reported in our 2026 Annual Survey.
Trade negotiations between Canada and the United States have also collapsed, with the two countries now in an active trade war. What this might mean for the UK and the rest of Europe is unclear, but it ultimately highlights the ongoing fracturing of the global order as we know it.
David Landsman OBE
Executive Chair of the British Foreign Policy Group
New Director Search
he BFPG is continuing its hiring process for a new Director to lead the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to take the helm at the leading foreign policy think tank focusing on the intersection between domestic and foreign policy.
Applications will close on Friday 04 September. If you are interested in applying for the role please reach out to hello@bfpg.co.uk for more information.
Read our latest analysis
Senior Researcher Jack Pannell looks at Andy Burnham's first international trip to Ukraine. He argues Burnham's decision to make Kyiv his first stop as Prime Minister sends a clear signal to Kyiv, Moscow and Europe. But BFPG polling shows the British public isn't following him there, and a symbolic visit won't be enough to hold their support over the years ahead. Read Here.
Guest author Lola Milroy-Tompkins, UK delegate to the Y7 (the youth group of the G7), reflects on the challenges of consensus in the G7, particularly on climate. She argues that, for the G7 to remain relevant, it may need to reconsider its use of consensus voting. Read Here.