17 April 2007
The UK should not allow fear to "close our minds or borders" to the opportunities of our interdependent world, Tony Blair has said.
As he launched the third policy review paper on foreign policy during his monthly press conference, the PM said it was important that Britain had a "values-driven, activist and multilateralist" foreign policy.
Building on Progress: Britain in the World considers global and European trends in the decades ahead, and how the UK should develop its foreign policy to a pursuit of a "progressive agenda".
In the introduction to the paper, the PM warns against those who would want to see Britain take a back-seat in world affairs.
"In our interdependent world, the key divide is no longer left or right but whether we are open or closed."
It was important to seize the opportunities available and not allow fear to "close our minds or borders".
"Whether we are focussing on the ‘hard’ challenges of Sierra Leone, Afghanistan or Iraq or the ’soft’ issues of global poverty, climate change and trade, our foreign policy has been values-driven, activist and multilateralist.
"There will always be voices, of course, urging us to remain out of the fray, in our comfort zone.
"The truth is that such inactivity is just as much a policy of activism, and has its own consequences. It is not a policy that has been in Britain’s best interests throughout our history, not do I believe that it is the right course for our future."
Britain in the World is the third report to be published, following security, crime and justice and public services. More will follow soon.
Since October 2006 there have been 15 Cabinet-level sessions covering the six strands of the review. The outcomes will feed into White Papers, government papers, speeches and future legislation.
The public have also been consulted with five regional events and a "citizens summit" hosted in No10 earlier this month.
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