Labour’s international policy is based on both our values and our interests as a nation.

What happens beyond our own borders increasingly have direct effects at home, and our interests are best served when countries share progressive principles and values and co-operate to achieve security, prosperity and justice. It is to our own benefit to engage positively and proactively in the world, building alliances and acting upon our values.

Part of Labour’s values-based approach is our determination that the UK should play an active role in the world, acting to defend those values and leading the debates on the key issues. We are playing a key role on issues such as climate change, world trade, energy security and conflict prevention.

We have pressed for reform of international institutions including the United Nations, and actively support the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and good governance. And we are standing firm against the threats to people around the world from terrorism and weapons proliferation.

These issues represent a complex series of challenges for the future, for which Britain needs to be prepared and properly equipped.

How do we tackle the challenges of global poverty?

Labour’s record on the fight against world poverty is one of which we are proud. No previous government has done so much in this area or given it as high a priority.

From the very start with the establishment of a separate Department for International Development (DFID) in 1997, through the trebling of the aid budget, to our commitment to meet the UN target of 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) in aid spending, we have made clear our commitment to the issue. But there is still a long way to go if we are to give the people of the developing world the chance of a better future.

The fight against global poverty is an issue that goes to the heart of Labour’s values of social justice and equality of opportunity. This is why we have made it a priority in government, both in respect of the UK’s own actions and in pressing for commitments on the part of other countries. As a result, we have seen major reforms and investment in the UK’s approach, and the issues taking hold at an international level. There is now strong support for the approach Labour has taken in office and for the consensus we have built around global poverty, and for moving the debate forward.

How do we secure peace, freedom and democracy?

The constitution of the Labour Party reaffirms that ‘Labour is committed to the defence and security of the British people and to co-operating in European institutions, the United Nations, the Commonwealth and other international bodies to secure peace, freedom, democracy, economic security and environmental protection for all.’

These are the values that inform our approach to international policy and our aim to ensure that Britain is best placed to react to and shape both immediate events and long-term challenges.

Part of Labour’s values-based approach is our determination that the UK should play an active
role in the world, acting to defend those values and leading the debates on the key issues.
We are playing a key role on issues such as climate change, world trade, energy security and
conflict prevention. We have pressed for reform of international institutions including the United Nations, and actively support the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and good governance. And we are standing firm against the threats to people around the world from terrorism and weapons proliferation. These issues represent a complex series of challenges for the future, for which Britain needs to be prepared and properly equipped.

How do we engage with Europe?

In today’s European Union, the UK is a key player whose voice is listened to. Our economic success over the last ten years, our place in other major international institutions and our strong support for the entry of Eastern European countries into the EU means that we have been and are well placed to lead the debate and bring other EU partners with us.

As we move forward to the next set of European elections in 2009, our vision of the EU is a practical one focused on what it can achieve for the people of Europe in delivering economic security and opportunity whilst also dealing collectively with the challenges faced on issues such as the environment, migration and security.

Submissions to the consultation argued that this approach, of demonstrating the tangible benefits of Europe, is crucial in building public support and confidence in the EU. In this context, a focus on issues and benefits rather than structures was urged.

Points to consider

• How do we ensure that the G8 promises on development are kept?
• What steps can we take to promote the benefits of free trade and open markets to increase prosperity whilst recognising the challenges posed by the pace of change and giving support to fair trade?
• How can we meet the millennium development goals?
• How can we spread peace, freedom and democracy, whilst promoting economic security and environmental protection?
• How do we reform global governance, especially to make the United Nations more effective?
• How do we develop a domestic and international approach to ensure future energy needs are met?
• How do we wok to prevent organised crime and promote the proposed International Arms Trade Treaty?
• How do we promote further enlargement and make the case for Europe? 
• How do we maintain momentum for economic reform in the European Union?