A group of former diplomats and officials have proposed the abolition of the UK’s Foreign Office, citing its elitist and outdated roots, and have suggested the introduction of a new Department for International Affairs. The authors of the pamphlet, The World in 2040: Renewing the UK’s Approach to International Affairs, say that a new department would be better placed to coordinate trade and aid, development and climate change strategy, as well as more traditional foreign policy. They argue that core objectives and mandates should be provided by parliament to avoid repeated changes in short-term policy. Additionally, the authors suggest that the government commit to spending 1% of national income on international priorities, similar to the 2% of national wealth currently committed to defence.
The UK’s Foreign Office, formally the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), has responded to the criticisms by saying it has clear priorities, including supporting Ukraine, increasing Middle East security, promoting international development, and boosting UK security, prosperity and jobs. The physical nature of the Foreign Office is also criticised, with the authors recommending a more open working culture and signalling a new role for Britain with a modernised premises.
The authors of the report suggest that Britain needs a clearer sense of its purpose and assets. They argue that the UK must form “pragmatic” relationships with emerging powers and be willing to share rights with reformed multilateral institutions. New allies must be accepted even if their interests and values differ from Britain’s, the authors assert. The UK is urged to “be more of a team player, showing humility and respect” instead of trying to portray an image of “greatness” that they describe as “anachronistic”.
Former cabinet secretary Lord Sedwill, former Director General of the Foreign Office Moazzam Malik, and Tom Fletcher, former ambassador and foreign affairs adviser to Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron are among the authors of the report. The pamphlet reflects the conclusions of a two-day conference held in Oxford that included former ministers, national security advisers and senior civil servants
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