Policy consultation document
Britain in the world Since the General Election, we have witnessed fast moving and unpredictable events in international affairs – from the uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East to the tragic famine declared in the Horn of Africa. We have also seen EU level actions in response to the financial crisis. These events just go to demonstrate the volatile nature of a changing world, highlighting the difficulties of predicting future prescriptions for the international landscape. Yet, in grappling with domestic austerity and a changing international landscape and powers, it is important for us to set out a Labour vision of what the UK’s place in the world should be. If Britain is to remain one of the world’s more influential countries, then we should be aiming to create an international vision that goes beyond the day-to-day imperatives of managing current multi-national relations, military operations and other international crises as they arrive. It is vital that we continue our ongoing dialogue with our members, sister parties, other Governments, civil society organisations and the British public to develop a credible and relevant international policy offer for the next General Election. Questions • Where do you see the UK’s place in a changed world and what roles and responsibilities should this position include?
Europe Labour want to see a British European policy with Britain at the heart of Europe - using our internationalist principles, leading voice and strong alliances to secure the best outcome for British people, and to help Europe play a progressive role globally. We believe Britain can build alliances based on our values, protect our interests and advance our ideas by leading international efforts on reducing conflict, promoting security, building a stronger and fairer world economy and protecting the future of our planet. From promoting economic reform to fighting climate change, global poverty and international crime, we know that the main challenges we face demand that we work with our European partners rather than stand alone. One of Europe’s great strengths is its shared social values. To this end we will work to protect and promote the social values and the European social model based on the economic dynamism we require while helping to build equality and opportunity for all. The European Union brings many benefits to Britain, not just trade. Through playing an active part we must continue to work to create a fairer Europe, with a more responsible labour market, with fair and decent employment rights and protections for all rather than a race to the bottom and which focuses on improving skills and adding value as a way to ensure we remain globally competitive. The economic crisis has vividly demonstrated the interconnected nature of the world, where decisions taken in one country can have a huge impact on the lives of people in others. Britain must lead in charting a way forward economically, politically and diplomatically in Europe, ensuring a growth strategy which boosts jobs, recognises the importance of public investment, provides stability and addresses deficits in a sustainable way. These goals will not be delivered by austerity and attacks on the EU social model. They require international co-operation and leadership. Without a strong Europe with social values, the British economy will be weaker, our people poorer and our lives and well-being at greater risk. However as we have heard from the public and our members, Labour’s approach must not simply be to defend the status quo within Europe - we need to develop British leadership to help ensure that the European Union is a multilateral body which is fit for the 21st century and that supports the creation of a wider global system which promotes sustainable development and employment. Europe has no future as a low wage, low skilled economy. Questions • What should a 21st century European Union look like and how do we work to ensure it is fit for purpose? • Labour believes that it is bad for Europe for Britain to be on the sidelines, not just bad for Britain. How should Britain be using its role and influence to shape the debate about policies and institutions within