While we have left the EU, we haven’t left Europe - British High Commissioner Cathy Ward

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DENISE GRECH

While we have left the EU, we haven’t left Europe - British High Commissioner Cathy Ward

Cathy Ward was appointed British High Commissioner for Malta in a year of extraordinary events. Denise Grech caught up with the new High Commissioner as the Brexit deadline looms.

How is the UK seeing itself as an international player following Brexit?

The UK will continue to be a world-class, open and vibrant economy, an attractive destination for investment, business and people. While we have left the EU, we haven’t left Europe and will continue to work with our European colleagues, like Malta, to uphold the international rules-based system and tackle the global challenges that we and future generations face - such as leading international efforts on climate change, tackling modern slavery and promoting gender equality. As a member of the UN Security Council, G7, Commonwealth, NATO and the WTO amongst others, we will stand up for values of democracy, tolerance and freedom because they help to keep people safe and improve their quality of life.

With just a few days to go before the end of the Brexit transition period, how do you foresee Maltese-UK relations?

Malta and the UK have a long and deep-rooted relationship based on shared values and a commitment to the rules-based system. The UK has always valued Malta as a partner and ally whether inside the EU or in the wider international arena where we are working

YOUR PURPOSE IS YOUR BIGGEST ASSET

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together on shared challenges from the prohibition of chemical weapons to tackling climate change. Being outside the club doesn’t preclude us from continuing such excellent cooperation in the future, both as active Commonwealth members and in a bilateral and commercial context.

How do you propose keeping the borders of Gibraltar open once freedom of movement ends on December 31?

The UK Government are steadfast in our support for Gibraltar, its people and economy. In its negotiations with the EU, the government is acting on behalf of the UK Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories: the whole UK family, including Gibraltar, remains fully committed to the Gibraltar Protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement.

What do you envision will be the sectors of economic growth that the UK will focus on in the coming months?

Recently, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched the UK’s 10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution which will mobilise £12 billion of government investment, spur up to three times as much

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private investment by 2030, and support up to 250,000 jobs. Even though climate change will definitely be a priority, especially since the UK will co-host COP26 in November 2021, it is not about focusing on one area or another. Clearly, we have to wait to see how the negotiations play out and what sort of trade agreement is in place in the new year. But like all the world economies we are having to deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic which is created a challenging environment for all of us. Despite this, I am confident that the UK economy will continue to thrive in the future.

There are some who believe that Britain has rested on the Commonwealth as a substitute for the EU’s influence on foreign affairs. How do you think the UK can establish stronger international ties beyond just relying on the influence of the Commonwealth?

I don’t think that is the case at all. The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 countries working together to promote democracy, prosperity, and peace. The UK has maintained strong international relationships beyond both the EU and the Commonwealth and will continue to do so.

What was your impression of Malta before you arrived?

I had heard it was beautiful. And it is!

What was your favourite place that you’ve lived in so far?

Tanzania

What are you most looking forward to from your posting in Malta?

The opportunity to work with Malta on issues close to the British Government’s heart - Climate Change and Protecting the Oceans, Human Rights and maintaining a strong UK-Malta relationship post Brexit. On a personal level I am looking forward to spending more time with my daughter, supporting her through her IGCSEs, and the sea!

How do you like your coffee before meetings?

Espresso with a dash of milk.