Leaving the EU: Integrated Foreign Policy
Debate between Geraint Davies and Bob Seely(5 years ago)
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Mr Seely
It is disappointing that they are not here, but we have a former Labour Member, the hon. Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela Smith), as well as an esteemed Democratic Unionist Member, the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon). There is at least some cross-party interest.
What is the UK’s status in the world? The 21st century is likely to be defined by two superpowers: China and the United States.
Geraint Davies (in the Chair)
On the point made in the intervention, it is not normal for a shadow Minister to respond in a half-hour debate.
Mr Seely
I will wrap up in the next minute because I want to give the Minister time to respond. I do not accept that final point, because so few countries spend anything like the same amount on aid, and I think it just washes over most states. There is clearly a conversation to be had there.
To sum up, we have a National Security Council, we have had changes to increase integration and we should have three global themes—free trade, free thought and freedom from oppression. We could wrap up so much of what we do by championing free trade under the WTO, freedom of thought with the BBC, and freedom from oppression, by championing UK anti-slavery measures at the UN and in this place. All that implies a commitment to a renewed multilateralism, not only through NATO, as the hon. Member for Strangford pointed out, but through the UN. I would very much support a much more powerful role for the UK in the UN, both in committing more resources, funding and support for its reform, and in being a critical UN power. That will also mean giving the UK’s UN team a better building to work in, so that they become more of a hub for the diplomatic community at the UN, increasing our power and influence.
Although I had other points to make, I will leave it there because I want to give the Minister time to respond. I thank him for listening and look forward to his response.