High Peak Liberal Democrats

How much should the Lib Dems focus on UK foreign policy?

I once used the phrase 'No-one is going to vote Lib Dem because of our policy on Azimstana'. The point is an obvious one; surveys show us that the average British voter is more concerned about domestic issues such as health, education, welfare, employment, immigration and crime. Understandably so.

However, there are three very good reasons why, notwithstanding, we need to invest time in foreign policy, international relations and the global economy.

First, UK foreign policy does from time to time come to the fore in the mind of the voting public and we have to be on top of the issues, rather than 'reactive'. This is especially so if we are to hold government to account and from time to time oppose aspects of government foreign policy. We have to be prepared for this; you can't fatten a pig on market day, as the phrase goes. Our policy on Iraq helped us win more than 60 seats in parliament, and was a culmination of much work. We may end up having a different policy to the government on Russians being poisoned, on the Turkish attacks on Kurds in Syria, on conflict in the Pakistani tribal areas, or even on a potential attack by NATO on North Korea.

Some such issues also have an impact on how 10 million 'diaspora' vote in UK elections.

Second, in a globalised world almost all domestic policy has international dimensions, and to be on top of domestic policy we have to understand these dimensions … or be prepared to be surprised more often than is good for us. For example, Trans-Atlantic trade treaties can affect the NHS, significant crime in the UK is linked to 'mafias' from Europe, Asia and South America, and a factory might close due to illegal subsidies elsewhere. There have been large numbers of refugees entering the UK from Eritrea, where there is no war. Why? In education, can we learn from Singapore, Estonia and Japan, and discover why their school maths skills are so much better than the UK?

Third, there is what is called the wholesale-versus-retail of policy. In leaflets and media interviews the public hears from the Lib Dems directly. However, in many cases, our messages are intermediated by journalists, think tankers, and go-to experts; the 'wholesale market' of policy. To be successful with this, credibility is key. Considered understanding of the impact of China's massive economy on the UK, is necessary for future economic policy, for example. We have to be credible on such topics with these 'intermediaries', and this takes time and preparation.

To this end the Party has an infrastructure around foreign policy, supporting our parliamentarians and where necessary, local & regional parties; advisers in parliament, the Federal International Relations Committee, party groups like 'Lib Dem Friends of ..' organisations, and lots of meetings during and outside Conferences.

For example, under the auspices of Liberal International (British Group), Lib Dems have organised a forum on the conflict in Yemen on 19th March. The last such meeting was on Moldova and Ukraine, and future forums will focus on Africa and China. All Lib Dems may attend.

If you are interested in international affairs and foreign policy as a Lib Dem, attending internationally-orientated meetings at Conference and outside is always a good step. How much we focus on foreign policy is to a great extent up to you the members.

The LIBG Yemen forum is at the National Liberal Club, 1 Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2HE Monday 19th March 2018, 1830hrs. All welcome.

* Paul Reynolds works with multilateral organisations as an independent adviser on international relations, economics, and senior governance. He is an elected member of FIRC and an Executive member of Liberal International (British Group).

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