Ex-PM David Cameron, of Brexit Fame, Returns as UK Foreign Secretary | DW News

Nov 13, 2023 | Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has been appointed foreign secretary, replacing James Cleverly. Cameron says he hopes his six years in the top job will assist him in helping current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meet vital challenges. Cameron quit as PM and left politics in 2016, following the Brexit referendum that removed the UK from the European Union. He'd called the vote, and campaigned for Britain to remain, in hopes of overcoming anti-EU sentiment in his Conservative party. It was considered a major political blunder.

David Cameron Returns to UK Government as Foreign Secretary

THE GUARDIAN: Former PM makes surprise comeback as part of reshuffle in which Suella Braverman replaced by James Cleverly as home secretary

David Cameron outside 10 Downing Street in London on Monday. He stood down in 2016 after losing the Brexit referendum. Photograph: Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters
David Cameron has returned to government as UK foreign secretary, in a stunning comeback for the former prime minister that highlighted Rishi Sunak’s willingness to take risks as he looks to revive his political fortunes.

Downing Street announced on Monday that Cameron would join the government, accepting a peerage in order to do so, as part of a wider reshuffle in which Suella Braverman was sacked as home secretary and replaced by the foreign secretary, James Cleverly.

A spokesperson also confirmed Jeremy Hunt would remain as chancellor.

Cameron posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard. » | Kiran Stacey, Political correspondent | Monday, November 13, 2023

David Cameron nommé aux affaires étrangères après le limogeage de Suella Braverman du ministère de l’intérieur britannique : Située à l’aile droite du Parti conservateur, la ministre de l’intérieur avait récemment qualifié les marches londoniennes en soutien à Gaza de « marches pour la haine ». Elle est remplacée par James Cleverly. »

Sunak holt früheren Premierminister Cameron als Außenminister: Der britische Premierminister baut sein Kabinett um. Die umstrittene Innenministerin Braverman muss gehen. Mit der Personalie David Cameron sorgt Sunak für eine Überraschung. »

There’s a chance now for Cameron to start to undo the damage brought onto this country with that ridiculous Brexit referendum. For starters, that referendum divided the nation. It has also put this nation on the road to impoverishment. How could we expect to prosper when we turned our backs on the largest single market in the world – a market which is right on our doorstep? The Single Market is a ready market of approximately 450 million consumers! Without being part of that market, we can forget about turbo-charged economic growth. Moreover, the City would thank the Tories for taking us back into the EU. And, by the way, the internal single market was Thatcher’s baby. She worked tirelessly to bring that market about. So the Conservative Party dishonoured her proud legacy by ditching the Single Market, an inevitable consequence of leaving the EU.

Further, with the world in turmoil as it now is, the EU needs to be as strong and as united as it can be. As we all know, divisions weaken, unity strengthens.

But not only has the European Union been weakened by this country’s departure but our own union of nations, the United Kingdom, has been fractured and weakened, too.

If we were to return to the European Union, the cause of Scottish independence would be put to bed. In fact, we could start glueing this nation back together again. I am sure that the King would be pleased. That would be another bonus.

The United Kingdom has never before in my lifetime been as disunited as it is today, and all because of Brexit. It should also be remembered that this nation is made up of millions of people who regret voting for Brexit, the so-named ‘Bregretters’.

So much could be gained by a policy reversal on this most important of issues. Why! You would even get people like me voting Tory again (as long as you ditch Sunak’s dotty incremental ban on cigarette-smoking). I am almost certain that you’d be in favour of ditching that, Mr Cameron, because a little dickie bird once told me that you yourself are rather partial to the occasional naughty puff!

So please, Mr Cameron, start undoing the damage caused by Brexit – TODAY! It could well be the recipe for a landslide Tory victory at the next election! – © Mark Alexander

Boris Johnson Under Scrutiny in UK’s Top Diplomatic Rôle

Boris Johnson's appointment as Britain’s new foreign secretary has baffled many around the world.

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault described Johnson as an out and out liar, saying he now has 'his back against the wall'.

Hague: "There Are Still Many Dangers" Facing Ukraine

BBC: The UK foreign secretary William Hague has told the Andrew Marr Show "there are still many dangers" facing Ukraine and the position of the opposition is "complex".

Speaking on the programme, Mr Hague said it was urgent that the Ukrainian government agree a constitution and improve their economic situation.

The foreign secretary said he was in constant discussion with Russia and warned Russia not to do "anything to undermine" the Ukrainian economic programme. » | Sunday, February 23, 2014

South America Gangs Up on Britain over Falklands

DAILY EXPRESS: DAVID Cameron was accused of “arrogance” over the Falkland Islands yesterday as a group of South American countries sided with Argentina over the dispute.

Foreign ministers from economic powers in the region made a joint declaration criticising Britain – and in particular the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary William Hague.

Members of Unasur, the South American equivalent of the EU, called on the UK to negotiate over the islands.

The organisation – whose 12 members include Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay – urged Britain “to restart negotiations as soon as possible with a view to ending the dispute”.

Referring to the islands by their Spanish name, it added: “The British military presence in the Malvinas is contrary to regional policy which supports the search for a peaceful solution in the dispute over sovereignty.

“We reject the development of unilateral activities by Great Britain in the disputed area, which include exploration and exploitation of natural resources as well as military exercises.” » | David Pilditch | Monday, March 19, 2012

We Should Listen When Germany Says the EU Is the Answer to Its War Guilt

TELEGRAPH BLOGS – BENEDICT BROGAN: There was a striking moment during William Hague's joint press conference with Guido Westerwelle, the German foreign minister, who stopped off in London to soothe relations after that euro ding-dong that so exercised the French. Indeed, the Quai d'Orsay will be anxious – or possibly narked – by their collegiate display. Mr Westerwelle, playing Garfunkel to Mr Hague's Simon, said he wanted to "build bridges over troubled waters" and praised Britain as "an indispensable partner in the EU." Germany, he said, wanted to make the next steps on the EU "together" with the UK, which is why the UK have been pressed to attend the talks. We can add this occasion to the mounting evidence (such as the PM's successful conversation with Angela Merkel) that Germany is keen to have the UK around in the negotiations as a counterweight to the excitability of France. Read on and comment » | Benedict Brogan | Monday, December 19, 2011

EU Referendum Vote Is Wrong Question at Wrong Time, Says Hague

THE GUARDIAN: Foreign secretary speaks out as Commons prepares to debate motion calling for referendum of UK's relationship with EU

William Hague, has told backbench Eurosceptics that Monday's Commons vote on pulling out of Europe "is the wrong question at the wrong time".

The foreign secretary spoke out as David Cameron faced the most serious challenge to his authority since taking office. A large number of Conservative MPs are reportedly planning to rebel on the Commons motion, which calls for a referendum on the UK's relationship with the EU.

Cameron will meet parliamentary aides in Downing Street before the vote in an attempt to dissuade as many as 10 members of the government who are minded to rebel against the prime minister, requiring them to resign their posts.

The coalition is sticking to its decision to impose a three-line whip on MPs to vote against the motion, despite criticism that it has been too heavy-handed.

The motion calls for a nationwide referendum on whether Britain should leave the EU, renegotiate its treaty with Brussels, or remain a member on the current terms.

The government will not suffer a defeat because Labour and the Lib Dems will vote down the motion, but a sizeable group of Conservative believes Cameron should honour pledges once made to allow a national vote on Britain's relationship with Europe. They are calling for the repatriation of social and employment rights.

Hague – formerly one of the Tory party's most high-profile Eurosceptics – defended the leadership's decision to impose a three-line whip on the grounds that the motion being debated was "completely against the policy of the government".

"This proposition is the wrong question at the wrong time. It was not in the manifesto of either of the governing parties," he said. » | Hélène Mulholland | Monday, October 24, 2011

William Hague Snubs Tory Right Over EU Membership Referendum Demands

THE GUARDIAN: Foreign secretary says 'our place is in the European Union' and describes coalition government as 'wonderfully refreshing'

William Hague has cast off his reputation as the darling of the Tory right by describing governing with the Liberal Democrats as "wonderfully refreshing". He also rules out a referendum on UK membership of the EU.

The comments by the foreign secretary, in an interview with the Observer, will dismay the many Conservative MPs who resent the Lib Dems' moderating influence on government policy, particularly on relations with Europe, and want their party to champion a more rightwing agenda.

As the Tories gather for their annual conference in Manchester, amid calls from rightwingers for David Cameron to give less ground to their coalition partners, Hague says this administration is working better than the last Tory government in which he served.

"When you sit with David Cameron and Nick Clegg and other senior colleagues examining an issue, it is a wonderfully refreshing, rational discussion, actually, in which you know your party identity is not the first consideration," he says. "The government has a more united spirit than the last government I served in at the end of 18 years of Conservative government."

Hague, formerly a hardline Eurosceptic, insists he has not changed his opinions on the EU, or come under the spell of the pro-EU Foreign Office culture. He still believes the EU has too much power and has never veered from his view that the euro would be a disaster.

But in a sign that life in government has had a profound influence, he also freely points out that in his time as foreign secretary he has seen evidence of the 27-nation bloc operating as a powerful, collective force for good in the world. As a result, he does not believe it would ever be in the UK's interest to think of leaving. Asked if the government might grant a referendum on UK membership of the EU, he says "no", arguing one would be called only to approve or reject further transfers of sovereignty: "Our place is in the European Union." » | Toby Helm and Andrew Rawnsley | Saturday, October 01, 2011

Coming closer to home, Turkey is "a rapidly growing player and one of the countries that I work with the most". If "you add up who I make the most phone calls to" the foreign minister of Turkey is up there with Hillary Clinton. Hague "very much" wants to see Turkey become a member of the European Union, an ambition strongly opposed by some other member states.

Many in his own party will have a cardiac infarction if that means large numbers of Turkish migrant workers arriving in Britain. Hague acknowledges "people have to be won over", but remains emphatic. "I wouldn't be put off by freedom of movement because I think it is a strategic neccesity and economically beneficial to bring Turkey into the EU. Turning away Turkey from the EU would be a great, long-term – a century-long – error by Europe." – Source: The Observer

Libya: William Hague Expels Two Libyan Diplomats
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, ordered the explusion of two Libyan diplomats from its London embassy as he travelled to Rome to demand heavier military bombardment of Col Muammar Gaddafi's regime.

Mr Hague called for the beginning of a final push to topple the beleagured regime in Tripoli, more than seven weeks after a UN Security Council resolution authorised military action to protect civilians. "The tempo of military activity should continue to be increased, as it has been increasing in recent days," Mr Hague said. "A great deal has been achieved. Probably thousands of lives have been saved. We now need to intensify that in order to push through to a successful outcome."

Rebels seeking to overthrow Col Gaddafi said that they needed an additional $3 million (£1.8 million) in loans to continue their battle.

Downing Street insisted the UK would not provide further funds, having already given generously. In a press conference, Hillary Clinton, the United States Secretary of State, said the allies would seek to create a "financial mechanism" to help the rebels.

The Foreign Office refused to comment on the behaviour which led to the expulsion of the two diplomats and their dependants, but it is understood that they are suspected of seeking to intimidate pro-opposition Libyans living in Britain.

In a statement, Mr Hague said that the expulsion was part of a move to step up the diplomatic pressure on Gaddafi, and that the diplomats and their families had until Wednesday to leave the country. » | Rosa Prince, and Nick Squires in Rome | Thursday, May 05, 2011

I might well be mistaken, but I believe Mrs. Clinton must be catching flies! – Mark

Hague: UK 'Ready for Long Haul in Libya'
THE INDEPENDENT: Foreign Secretary William Hague warned Cabinet colleagues today that Britain and its allies must prepare for the long haul in Libya as weeks of air strikes show little sign of unseating Muammar Gaddafi.

Mr Hague was updating Cabinet as Defence Secretary Liam Fox flew to the US for talks on the best way of stepping up pressure on the Libyan dictator's forces.

The Foreign Secretary insisted that there were "grounds for optimism", 38 days after international military action was launched to enforce United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution 1973.

Summarising Mr Hague's comments to Cabinet, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The general tone was that there were grounds for optimism, good progress was being made, the alliance was holding up very well, but clearly we need to turn up the pressure.

"The mission is going in the right direction but we need to prepare for the long haul." » | Andrew Woodcock, PA | Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Syria: William Hague Condemns Crackdown
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: William Hague has condemned the bloody crackdown on protests in Syria and call [sic] for an end to violent repression.


Mr Hague confirmed that Britain is working with partners in the United Nations Security Council, the European Union and the Middle East region to send a "strong signal" to Bashar Assad, the Syrian president, that he must halt violence against civilians.

The UK has joined France, Germany and Portugal in drawing up a draft statement on Syria which is being circulated at the UN, according to Government sources.

The move comes amid growing concern over the brutal tactics being employed by the Syrian regime to quell unrest and silence calls for President Assad to go.

At least 11 people were killed yesterday in an escalation of the crackdown on the city of Daraa, where the uprising began last month.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office in London today, Mr Hague said: "I condemn utterly any violence and killings perpetrated by the Syrian security forces against civilians who are expressing their views in peaceful protests. This violent repression must stop." » | Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Moussa Koussa Leaving Britain for Doha
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Moussa Koussa, the former Libyan foreign minister and long-time top aide to Muammar Gaddafi, is going to Doha for meetings with the Qatari government and Libyan representatives, Britain has confirmed.

An international contact group is due to hold talks on Libya's future in the Qatari capital on Wednesday. Moussa will not participate in the meeting but is expected to hold talks on the sidelines, British sources said.

Mr Koussa, the most prominent Libyan defector, sought refuge in Britain on March 30. A friend said he quit in protest at attacks on civilians by Gaddafi's forces.

The former spy chief was later questioned by Scottish police over the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, which killed 270 people, but the British government said he was now free to travel.

"We understand he is travelling today to Doha to meet with the Qatar government and a range of Libyan representatives to offer insight in advance of the contact group meeting," a Foreign Office spokesman said.

"Moussa Koussa is a free individual who can travel to and from the United Kingdom as he wishes," the spokesman said. » | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Libya: Moussa Koussa 'Could Leave Britain'
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Moussa Koussa, the Libyan defector, could be allowed to leave the country, William Hague has said.

The foreign secretary said Mr Koussa, who faces inquiries from the International Criminal Court and families of the victims of Libyan terrorists, would not be forced to return to Libya, adding: "There are quite a range of places that he could go to live."

Mr Hague's comments, in an interview with Sky News, came as relatives of the Lockerbie bombing victims accepted he may never face trial in Britain.

Susan Cohen, who lost her only daughter on Pan Am Flight 103 said the former intelligence chief "should probably be hanged for what he has done" but she had no expectation of him ending up in a Scottish court.

She added that American relatives were more interested in the British authorities using him to "get to" Col Muammar Gaddafi than in seeing Mr Koussa on trial. » | Auslan Cramb, James Kirkup and Duncan Gardham | Friday, April 08, 2011

Russian Foreign Minister Criticises the West for Supporting Arab Protests
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Russia and Britain engaged in a war of words over the people power protests across the Middle East as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov blasted Western support for demonstrations as counterproductive.

Differences between Mr Lavrov and Foreign Secretary William Hague surfaced during a meeting in London designed to display a rapprochement between Whitehall and the Kremlin after years of tension.

Moscow has called for restraint in the face of demonstrations that have shaken long established regimes. Britain and America have, by contrast, demanded that governments bow to the demands of frustrated protesters.

Tunisia and Egypt have seen the departure of their leaders since the demonstrations began and other regimes have been forced into reforms.

With its own record of corruption and authoritarian leaderships, Russia fears the tide of protest will spread to its own backyard.

"I think that we need to encourage all parties to agree between each other," said Mr Lavrov. "I think that it is counterproductive to impose democracy of a specific pattern."

"We have had one revolution in Russia and we don't believe that we need to call for others." >>> Damien McElroy, Foreign Affairs Correspondent | Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Brits Urge Israel to Tone Down Rhetoric
Avoid 'belligerent' language?

Egypt Protests: Bloodshed on the Streets as Human Price of Hosni Mubarak's Clampdown Emerges
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The full horror of Egypt's political convulsions has emerged, as relatives gathered at morgues filled with bodies and doctors described their heroic efforts to save the wounded.


As President Hosni Mubarak installed his head of intelligence as the first vice-president of his 30-year rule in a desperate effort to cling to power, it became clear that the death toll from the past two days of violent disturbances was even higher than officials claimed.

A tally of credible figures from around Egypt collated by The Sunday Telegraph showed that at least 89 people had died, compared with the 62 admitted by officials on Saturday. A further 2,500 were said to have been injured.

Among the dead were 10 policemen — some had been attacked by protesters. The civilian dead and injured included many shot with live rounds: doctors and protesters displayed bullets they had picked up from the streets after police — and in some cases soldiers — opened fire.

The use of live ammunition against his people, with witnesses claiming that deadly rounds had been fired by units of the elite presidential guard, throws into further doubt continued American support for Mr Mubarak’s regime.

President Barack Obama telephoned his counterpart late on Friday night to urge the 82-year-old leader to take concrete steps toward reform. “Violence will not address the grievances of the Egyptian people, and suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away,” he said after the 30-minute conversation. >>> Colin Freeman, and Richard Spencer Cairo | Saturday, January 29, 2011

What Next for Egypt, the USA and the Middle East?
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: As Washington struggles to come to terms with a rapidly changing Middle East, US President Barack Obama is acutely aware he must get Egypt right, for the wrong side of history eagerly beckons.

Faced with a dilemma that has long troubled Western leaders, including Britain's, Barack Obama's administration has not covered itself in glory vis à vis Egypt.

Hillary Clinton, the Secretary of State, was conspicuously caught between two natural inclinations - encouraging the forces of democracy and preserving an autocratic but deeply loyal friend of the United States and its allies.

Initially, she said that although the US supported "the fundamental rights of expression and assembly", in her view the Egyptian government was "stable".

The next day, as the turmoil deepened in Cairo, she declared that reform "must be on the agenda" of the Egyptian government, which should respond to "active, civil leaders".

Vice President Joe Biden, whose foot is never far from his mouth, rejected the suggestion that Mubarak was a dictator and questioning whether the crowds of Egyptians were indeed making "legitimate claims".

Those were dangerous words. The US provides $1.3 billion military aid annually to Egypt, money which helps fund a repressive apparatus that Washington now more than ever does not want to be closely identified with.

Rather late in proceedings, Mr Obama himself produced a more calibrated response on Friday, edging away from Hosni Mubarak and effectively putting the Egyptian leader on notice. "This moment of volatility has to be turned into a moment of promise," said the US president, who urged that "reforms that meet the aspirations of the Egyptian people". >>> Alex Spillius, Washington | Saturday, January 29, 2011

My comment:

In two years, Mr Obama has shown himself to be a quick learner.

The pace of his learning seems to have slowed considerably, then! He and his administration appear to have been caught on left foot. His reaction, and the reaction of his cronies, is way out there in left field. Neither Obama nor Hillary Clinton are doing themselves any favours by propping up Hosni Mubarak. However good an ally he has been to America, his reign is coming to an end. He's finished. He is an ailing, ageing man who has lost all credibility. Further, he has failed to understand that the people of Egypt do not want him any longer. Which part of the word 'go' doesn't this geriatric understand?

Asking Mubarak to reform is not enough. The man has had thirty-one years to reform; and in that time, he has demonstrated his reluctance to reform anything. Obama, Clinton, Cameron, and Hague are all wrong to back him any longer. The US, in particular, with all the billions they have been supplying this régime with, would have a lot of leverage with Egypt. Obama should be using that leverage to ease Mubarak out of power. Obama should be showing the young of the Arab world that America is committed to democracy, committed to the will of the people. After all, there was supposed to be “a new beginning.” So why not back ElBaradei? He is the right man waiting in the wings. He is perfectly capable and willing to take over from Mubarak. Further, at eighty-two, it is high time that Mubarak spent far more time with his family!

By going against the wishes of the people of Egypt, who, as we all know, have been suppressed and have suffered for far, far too long already, Obama risks a backlash against America in the post-Mubarak age. And that age is fast approaching. Mubarak may from here on in stumble along for a short while, but it is now only a matter of time.

Obama is showing himself to be a political greenhorn. Far from learning fast, as you suggest, he appears to be in the remedial class! – © Mark

This comment also appears here

THE SUNDAY TIMES: Egypt’s generals urge Mubarak to step down: The country’s new vice-president and defence minister warns its ‘stubborn’ president to end his 30-year rule as thousands of protestors defy curfew >>> Marie Colvin and Uzi Mahnaimi | Sunday, January 30, 2011 [£]

Israel Suspends Britain Security Meeting
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Israel abruptly announced the suspension of a high-profile security meeting with Britain in a move that appeared calculated to embarrass William Hague on his first official visit to the country.

Avigdor Lieberman and William Hague in Jerusalem. Photo: The Daily Telegraph
The Israeli government caught British officials off-guard by declaring the next session of the annual “UK-Israel Strategic Dialogue” would be suspended until its ministers could travel to Britain without fear of arrest.

Israel has long been dismayed that pro-Palestinian activists in Britain have been able to use a loophole in extradition law to bring private prosecutions against visiting Israeli officials. The issue has strained relations between the two states with the Strategic Dialogue, which brings together senior officials from both states to discuss key issues such as security, terrorism and Iran, has falled vicitme [sic] to the tension.

British officials insisted that the Dialogue - established just two years - was not hostage to legislative changes to curb Universal Jurisdiction provisions. Until yesterday, the Foreign Office had been led to believe delays to the next session of the Strategic Dialogue, which should have been held last month, were because of Israeli scheduling problems.

But the timing of the Israeli announcement also suggested an attempt by hardline elements in the office of Avigdor Lieberman, Israel’s hawkish foreign minister, to ambush Mr Hague.

The news was leaked by the foreign ministry before Mr Hague had met with Israeli leaders.

Compounding the Foreign Secretary’s discomfort, those behind the leak claimed that the decision had been taken because Britain had “done nothing” to address legal issues.

The move appeared to be part of an emerging strategy by Mr Lieberman and his aides to humiliate visiting European ministers. >>> Adrian Blomfield in Ramallah | Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Miliband under Fire for Saying Terrorism Can Be 'Justified' in Some Circumstances
MAIL ONLINE: The Foreign Office leapt to David Miliband's defence last night after he triggered outrage by saying terrorism is justified in some circumstances.

The Foreign Secretary also said in an interview that there were circumstances where terror was 'effective'.

The remarks were condemned by Tories, who said they risked giving succour to the Taliban as the number of UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan passed the 200 mark.

Mr Miliband was speaking on a BBC Radio 4 Great Lives programme about anti-apartheid activist Joe Slovo.

Mr Slovo, a friend of Mr Miliband's academic-father Ralph, was one of the leaders of the armed wing of the ANC which carried out a series of fatal bombings in South Africa which killed civilians.

Asked by presenter Matthew Parris whether such terrorism was ever justified, Mr Miliband said: 'Yes, there are circumstances in which it is justifiable, and yes, there are circumstances in which it is effective.'

He added: 'The importance for me is that the South African example proved something remarkable: the apartheid regime looked like a regime that would last for ever and it was blown down. It is hard to argue that, on its own, a political struggle would have delivered. >>> Daniel Martin | Monday, August 17, 2009

Adrian Hamilton: Miliband's Failure as Foreign Secretary
THE INDEPENDENT: Little wonder that foreign leaders see him as jejune while officals despair of him

Is David Miliband the most lightweight Foreign Secretary since the War? Admittedly there's strong competition for the post. From Jack Straw backwards, the history of British post-war politics has been peppered with foreign secretaries who've loved the travel and prancing about at summits but lacked the grasp of foreign circumstances and British interests to do an effective job.

Yet Miliband, in office for just over two years, has been particularly weak, even by the standards of Straw, in the extent to which he has managed to sound the wrong note at the wrong time. Whether it was making Russia's invasion of Georgia into the equivalent of the German invasion of Poland at the moment the EU was trying a more nuanced stance, issuing virtual fatwas against the Sudanese and Zimbabwean presidents to absolutely no effect whatsoever, or in adopting a continuously patronising tone towards our Continental allies, Miliband seems to have an innate ability to misjudge the situation and Britain's role in it.

Even in his intervention earlier this week on Afghanistan, Miliband got it wrong, declaring a willingness to talk to the "moderate Taliban" as if it was a new policy when it has been a US mantra for the last six months and going on to lecture the Afghan government as to how to treat their insurgents as if it was Britain's right to direct the country's internal politics. Little wonder that most foreign governments seem to regard him as jejune while some of his own officials despair of him. >>> Adrian Hamilton | Thursday, July 30, 22009

David Miliband, Regardless of the Wishes of the People of Europe, Committed to Turkey in Europe!
BRITAINUSA: FCO, London, 9/5/2007—David Miliband spoke at Bahcesehir University in Instanbul during his first visit to Turkey as Foreign Secretary.

Read full speech:

This is one of my early visits outside the UK as foreign secretary and this, my first visit to Turkey, is intended to reflect my simple belief: that the relationship between Turkey and the EU represents one of the defining political tests of our time. Get it right, and we can prove wrong those who say we are destined for a clash of civilizations, that East and West, Muslims, Christians and Jews, can find no common ground; get it wrong and we give succour to those who would pull us apart.

So this speech is about building bridges at a time of change. There are new governments in Britain and in Turkey, new challenges facing our countries. But my starting point is our new and shared opportunity: the opportunity to bridge the gap between Europe and Asia.

The last phase of globalization in the 19th century polarized the world. At the beginning of the 19th century, the average citizen in India and China enjoyed around half the wealth of citizens in Western Europe. By the end of the century, they had just one-seventh.

Today, there are massive forces for inequality between people. But there are also very strong forces of 21st century globalization pulling countries closer together. For example, China and India’s economies together represent about a quarter of US GDP. By 2030, they are expected to command a similar share of the global economy as the US. Foreign Secretary David Miliband: Shared Values, Share Future - The Importance of Turkey to Our Common Future (more)

Mark Alexander