
Stephen Booth: An independent UK must decide swiftly on its preferred place in the world
Politicians are so uncomfortable talking seriously about our international role and relationships that instead we constantly engage in proxy battles.
Politicians are so uncomfortable talking seriously about our international role and relationships that instead we constantly engage in proxy battles.
We should measure the success of our aid programmes by the good we achieve, not simply by the amount of money we spend.
A new Prime Minister, and a changing of the guard at the Foreign Office, is a chance to change tack on the British Indian Ocean Territory.
The real risk of all this is that it gets praised – but is then quietly filed away. What needs to happen is a change of Foreign Office culture.
Jeremy Corbyn echoed the Prime Minister’s message of regret.
It must necessarily have a worldview. The question is whether or not this has caught up with the Brexit vote.
Johnson’s first biographer confesses to feelings of bemusement, even incredulity, at the recent turn of events.
He notes America’s strong GDP growth, and suggests that this might be important as post-Brexit Britain tries to ‘turbo-charge’ the economy.
Also: MPs criticise Foreign Secretary over Ulster veterans; Johnson makes Thomson his Scottish campaign chief; and fierce competition to lead the NIO.
We don’t need a ‘Brexiteer’ leader, we need a unifier, a leader who is not marked by labels but by their ability to implement the referendum result.
Much of politics is teamwork. Can he now create a coalition among Tory MPs, not to mention Party members, that builds on his appeal to many voters?
This is a contribution to the debate – now let’s see what the candidates offer during the week ahead.
We need an unambiguous plan to deliver Brexit, an ambitious and engaging domestic agenda, and a proven winner. His candidacy offers all three.
His experience in business, delivering the London Olympics, running the health service, and serving as Foreign Secretary all show his leadership qualities.
The new Solicitor General and FCO/DfID minister are both sensible choices, which might say more about the Prime Minister’s position than her judgement.