Miliband Faces High Court Battle In UK Over Gaza Rights
THE GUARDIAN: Lawyers for Palestinian families claim foreign secretary's failure to ban arms sales to Israel flouted international law

The foreign secretary, David Miliband, has acted "in flagrant and continuing breach of international law" in failing to suspend arms exports to Israel, the high court will be told.

In what is thought to be the first legal challenge resulting from Israel's operation in Gaza, lawyers representing more than 30 Palestinian families have accused Miliband, along with the ministers for defence and business, of acting illegally by failing to suspend arms sales and government assistance after alleged Israeli human rights violations.

Lawyers acting on behalf of the Palestinian charity Al-Haq said the case would be the first of numerous actions brought against Israel, as activity is stepped up to examine the humanitarian and financial cost of recent events.

"The UK has urgent international obligations that it must fulfil immediately," Phil Shiner, the lawyer representing Al-Haq, said today.

A Foreign Office statement said the claims made on behalf of Al-Haq were "wholly inapt" for resolution in the UK courts and insisted "the government continues to work hard in an effort to secure peace in the Middle East".

"Britain has some of the tightest regulations in the world for arms sales," the statement adds.

"The government monitors the situation in Israel with care in considering applications for arms export licences."

A high court judge will examine the papers in the case and decide within seven days whether it should proceed. >>> Afua Hirsch and David Pallister | Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback - UK)
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David Miliband! Shameful! Shameful! Shameful! Shame on You! You’re a Bloody Dhimmi!

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback & Hardback) – Free delivery >>>

Miliband Denies US Threat Over Torture

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For God’s Sake, Miliband, Go Back to School; and You, Hillary, for God’s Sake Go Visit Your Hairdresser!

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David Miliband Accused of 'Arrogance' over Kashmir Comments
Photo of David Miliband courtesy of The Times
THE TELEGRAPH: The Indian Government has lodged a complaint about the "aggressive" and "arrogant" manner of David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, during a recent visit to the country.

Pranab Mukherjee, the Foreign Minister, revealed he had used diplomatic channels to convey his disquiet at statements about terrorism and the disputed regions of Kashmir and Jammu.

He said: "When the Foreign Secretary of the UK visited us, he shared his perceptions about the situations and I equally told him and all the interlocutors that this is your perception – we do not share with it.''

Manmohan Singh, the Indian prime minister, has already been forced to deny reports he had personally written to Gordon Brown to voice his "disappointment" about Mr Miliband's behaviour during his trip there last week.

But a senior official spokesman confirmed that the Government had been irritated by the Foreign Secretary's attitude, adding: "He did not come across as the foreign minister of a friendly nation."

Mr Miliband's suggestion that resolving the Kashmir dispute would make India less vulnerable to attack was greeted with outrage in the Indian media, which accused him of meddling and appeasing terrorists. >>> By Rosa Prince, Political Correspondent | Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback & Hardback) – India >>>

Miliband Nuclear Speech Irks Iran
BBC: Iran's Foreign Ministry has summoned the British ambassador over comments made by David Miliband on its nuclear ambitions, state media said.

The Foreign Secretary said Iran's nuclear programme was a threat to Middle East and world security.

Iran's state radio reported ambassador Geoffrey Adams was called in after the speech to Arab leaders. >>> | November 27, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback – USA)
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The ‘Milky Bar Kid’ as You’ve Never Seen Him Before!
Photo courtesy of the Times Online
TELEGRAPH BLOGS:
Gordon Brown slaps down a diminished David Miliband >>> By Iain Martin | September 23, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
Gordon Brown Dismisses 'Novice' Challengers in Labour Conference Speech: Gordon Brown dismissed rivals David Cameron and David Miliband as he warned that this is “no time for a novice” to be running the country. >>> By Andrew Porter, Political Editor | September 24, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
Labour Conference Analysis: Gordon Brown Shuts Door on Diminished David Miliband: David Miliband and Gordon Brown both had straightforward aims ahead of this week’s Labour conference in Manchester.

Mr Brown’s was simple: to still be leader and see off any rebel insurgency.

Mr Miliband, privately at least, must have wanted to end the week having established himself as the main credible alternative to the Prime Minister.

While Mr Brown succeeded, Mr Miliband failed, and failed badly.

The low point in a lacklustre speech on Monday came when he appeared to try a Barack Obama trick to fire up the Labour audience by employing a technique known as “call and response.”

He said: “You know, the truth is these Tories are beatable.” He attempted to try and energise the delegates and in the style of an evangelical preacher added: “Let’s say it with conviction; they are beatable. Beatable.”

The response to his rallying call was silence.

When the Foreign Secretary finished his 22 minute address, one supporter of the Prime Minister was heard to mutter: “Only two people will think that is a good speech, his spin doctor and Gordon Brown.”

That caustic wit was all the more devastating because the observation was spot on. Mr Brown must have been delighted when he saw yesterday morning’s newspapers panning the Foreign Secretary’s efforts accompanied by photographs of Mr Miliband looking anything but a Prime Minister-in-waiting. >>> By Andrew Porter, Political Editor | September 24, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
Gordon Brown's Conference Speech Won Labour Over, Yet They're Doomed if He Stays >>> By Simon Heffer

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The Milky Bar Kid Speaks…
Watch BBC video: David Miliband insists he does not want a leadership challenge >>>
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What Kind of "Effing" Crap Is Leading Us?
Photo of David Miliband courtesy of The Telegraph
THE TELEGRAPH: Gordon Brown has triggered a potential row with John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate, after apparently backing Barack Obama - breaking convention not to get involved in foreign elections.

The Prime Minister heaped praise on Mr Obama and the Democrats in a magazine article, saying they were "generating the ideas to help people through more difficult times."

Dealing with economic problems is the crucial battleground in the US elections and Mr Brown's comments were interpreted as backing the Democrat candidate. It sparked a flurry of activity among [?]

The Prime Minister's office and the British Embassy in Washington were last night involved in an embarrassing behind-the-scenes operation to try and limit the fallout from the incident. They were alerted after the highly influential Drudge Report website picked up the story, sparking a flurry of comment and analysis from election watchers in the US. Gordon Brown Triggers Row with John McCain by 'Backing' Barack Obama >>> By Robert Winnett, Deputy Political Editor and Tom Leonard | September 9. 2008

THE TELEGRAPH: I have been told of an astonishing telephone conversation between David Miliband and his Russian counterpart, Sergi Lavrov in which the Foreign Secretary had to endure a four-letter word tirade.


Mr Miliband spoke to the Russian foreign minister - a veteran not known for diplomatic niceties - to express British unease at events in Georgia. It seems Mr Lavrov didn't like being lectured by young Miliband.

Such was the repeated use of the "F word" according to one insider who has seen the transcript, it was difficult to draft a readable note of the conversation.

One unconfirmed report suggested that Mr Lavrov said: "Who are you to f------ lecture me?"

He also asked Mr Miliband in equally blunt terms whether he knew anything of Russia's history?

One Whitehall insider told me: "It was effing this and effing that. It was not what you would call diplomatic language. It was rather shocking." David Miliband four-letter abuse from Russian foreign minister >>> By Andrew Porter | September 9, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
John McCain's Team Mocks Gordon Brown over Barack Obama Backing >>> By Jon Swaine | September 10, 2008

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European Dhimmi Watch! David Miliband’s Ramadan Message

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Why Do We Have to Put Up with This Vomit-Inducing Nonsense from Gordon Brown and David Miliband? Their Ramadan Message to Muslims: Lies, Lies, and More Damn Lies!

PAKISTAN TIMES: LONDON (UK): The British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his Ramazan message has spoken of the huge contribution the Muslim community is making to Britain’s success in terms of its prosperity, society and culture. 



“Ramadan teaches patience and humility, and reminds us of our shared moral universe; our obligation to others,” he said. 


Emphasising the importance of the holy month, Brown said the message of empathy for the less fortunate is reflected in Ramazan by the daily fast. 



“Ramadan’s message of compassion and social justice spreads beyond Muslim communities; it speaks of shared values that unite us all,” he added. 



Recalling the hadith of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), he said it emphasised the duty of care we owe one another and this special month is also the occasion to celebrate the diversity that contributes to Britain ‘s strength. 



The Prime Minister pointed out Ramazan is an opportune time to consider the contribution of Islam not just to Britain , but to the world as the Islamic art, science, and philosophy have enriched our lives over many centuries. 



He said Ramazan is also a time to recall the holy Prophet’s message that “the best richness is the richness of the soul,” while stressing to look forward to continuing positive engagement with British Muslim communities across the UK. Muslims Making a Huge Contribution to Britain’s Success: Brown >>> By Raza Mumtaz 'Pakistan Times' Executive Editor/UK Bureau Chief | September 5, 2008

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Miliband Urges Tough Response to Russia
Watch video: The UK foreign secretary has called on the EU to initiate "hard-headed engagement" with Russia in response to its actions in Georgia >>>
BBC: UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband has called on the EU and Nato to initiate "hard-headed engagement" with Russia in response to its actions in Georgia.

In a speech in Ukraine's capital, Kiev, he urged them to bolster their allies, re-balance the energy relationship with Russia and defend international law.

Mr Miliband also warned the Russian president not to start a new Cold War.

His visit came a day after Dmitry Medvedev recognised the independence of Georgia's two breakaway regions.

Earlier, Ukraine's president said it was a hostage in a war waged by Russia against countries in the old Soviet bloc. UK Urges Tough Response to Russia >>> | August 27, 2008

BBC:
Russia Faces Fresh Condemnation >>> | August 27, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
Georgia: Europe United to Condemn Kremlin: David Miliband joined a chorus of Western leaders to condemn Russia, accusing the Kremlin of jeopardising European security by recognising Georgia's two breakaway regions.

The rhetorical salvoes showed the new strain on relations with Russia. For its part, the Kremlin said it had only defended its citizens in Abkhazia and South Ossetia and Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, argued the decision had been "unavoidable".

Speaking in Ukraine's capital, Kiev, the Foreign Secretary said that Russia was "more isolated, less trusted and less respected" as a result of its actions in Georgia. These breached a United Nations Resolution, approved by Moscow last April, which reaffirmed Georgia's sovereignty over Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Mr Miliband placed the onus for avoiding a new Cold War firmly on President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia. "The Russian President says he is not afraid of a new Cold War. We don't want a new Cold War. He has a big responsibility not to start one," he said.

Comparing Russia's actions to the Prague Spring of 1968, when Moscow suppressed a reformist Czech government, Mr Miliband said: "The sight of Russian tanks in a neighbouring country on the 40th anniversary of the crushing of the Prague Spring has shown that the temptations of power politics remain. The old sores and divisions fester. And Russia is not yet reconciled to the new map of this region."

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany's foreign minister, issued a stark warning. "If we don't watch out, Europe's whole security architecture will start to falter with unforeseeable consequences for all of us. The spiral of provocation must stop immediately," he said.

France, which holds the European Union's rotating presidency, expressed concern that Moscow, emboldened by its military success in Georgia, could turn on other former Soviet republics with breakaway provinces and large Russian minorities.
Bernard Kouchner, the French foreign minister, described the situation as "very dangerous" and said: "There are other objectives that one can suppose are objectives for Russia, in particular the Crimea, Ukraine and Moldova." >>> By Con Coughlin in Kiev, Adrian Blomfield in Tbilisi and Harry de Quetteville in Berlin | August 28, 2008

MAIL Online:
Russia Gives Two Fingers as It Continues to Stand Up to the West >>> | August 27, 2008

TIMESONLINE:
Cold War Tension Rises as Putin Talks of Black Sea Confrontation: A new Cold War between Russia and the West grew steadily closer yesterday after the Kremlin gave a warning about “direct confrontation” between American and Russian warships in the Black Sea.

Dmitri Peskov, a spokesman for Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister, declared that Russia was taking “measures of precaution” against American and Nato naval ships. “Let’s hope we do not see any direct confrontation in that,” he said.

Any attempt by countries in the West to isolate Russia would “definitely harm the economic interests of those states”, he said. >>> By Michael Evans, Defence Editor | August 28, 2008

THE GUARDIAN:
EU Threatens Sanctions against Russia: Leading European powers losing patience with Kremlin's sabre rattling in the Caucuses

European Union leaders are to discuss sanctions against Russia ahead of an emergency summit meeting, the French foreign minister said today, as the west hardened its position towards Moscow.

When asked what measures the west could take against Russia in the crisis over Georgia, Bernard Kouchner told a press conference in Paris: "Sanctions are being considered." >>> By Mark Tran, Julian Borger in Kiev, Ian Traynor in Brussels, and agencies | August 28, 2008

WELT ONLINE:
Russland aktiviert die Waffen des Kalten Krieges >>> Von Manfred Quiring | 28. August 2008

TOWNHALL.COM:
Farewell, NATO >>> By Victor Davis Hanson | August 28, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
Dmitry Medvedev Claims Diplomatic Victory for Russia: President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia claimed to have won a diplomatic victory by securing the backing of China and key Central Asian states for its actions in Georgia and its breakaway regions >>> By Richard Spencer in Beijing | August 28, 2008

NZZ Online:
Russland sitzt auf verlorenem Posten: Asiatische Staaten fordern territoriale Integrität Georgiens

Russland ist mit seinem Vorgehen in Georgien bei seinen asiatischen Partnern in der Shanghaier Kooperationsorganisation (SCO) auf Ablehnung gestossen. Bei ihrem Gipfeltreffen in Duschanbe, der Hauptstadt Tadschikistans, verabschiedeten die Präsidenten aus sechs asiatischen Staaten eine Erklärung, in der sie die Anwendung militärischer Gewalt in Georgien verurteilen und die Achtung der territorialen Integrität eines jeden Staates fordern. >>> | 28. August 2008

BBC:
Georgia Breaks Ties with Russia: Georgia has decided to cut diplomatic ties with Russia, days after Moscow recognised the independence of Georgia's two breakaway regions >>> | August 29, 2008

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Miliband: You’re Full of It!
Watch video: The British government is to continue ratifying the EU Treaty despite its rejection by Irish voters >>>
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Miliband in Turkey STRONGLY Supporting Turkey’s Bid to Join the Union
Allowing Turkey to accede to the European Union will change the nature of Europe forever. If we value our Judeo-Christian heritage, we will NOT allow Turkey into the Union under any circumstances.

For some inexplicable reason, the British government and the Foreign Office are determined to support Turkey’s bid to join, regardless of public opinion, and regardless of the fact that many, many people are against such a destructive move.

In my view, Turkey should not be admiited into Europe, but at very least, we should never allow Turkey to join without first consulting with the people in the form of a referendum. Allowing Turkey in will change Europe’s destiny forever: It will Islamize the whole continent, and in a very short time. It will be life-changing for us all.

It is therefore wrong for politicians, who are, after all, only elected for relatively short periods of time, to make decisions on behalf of the people which will force us all to accept drastic and permanent changes long after those politicians will be out of office. - ©Mark

TODAY’S ZAMAN: While reaffirming London's support of Turkey's bid to join the European Union, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband yesterday expressed once again his government's concern over an ongoing closure case against Turkey's ruling party.

Miliband's strongly worded statements came at a joint press conference here following a meeting with Turkish counterpart Foreign Minister Ali Babacan. Miliband is part of the delegation accompanying Queen Elizabeth II, who is on a landmark visit to the EU candidate country 37 years after her previous visit.

"We adhere to the very strong principle that governments are chosen by the people and not chosen by lawyers," Miliband said in response to a question, while also underlining that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) was re-elected last year.

Even as he praised reforms the Turkish government had carried out in its bid to join the EU, Miliband refused to speculate on what might happen to Turkey-EU relations if the AK Party was indeed closed down.

Late in March, Turkey's Constitutional Court decided to hear a closure case opened against the ruling party on charges of its having become a "focal point for anti-secular activities," leading the EU candidate country to an ongoing political crisis.

Miliband was the first foreign minister to visit Turkey in September of last year after the conclusion of a lengthy election process there. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan formed his new Cabinet after a sweeping victory in the July 22 elections, and former Foreign Minister and current President Abdullah Gül was then elected president. Miliband also said yesterday that proposals that fell short of full membership for Turkey were not an alternative.

"We want to be allies of Turkey inside the European Union and not just proponents of a better dialogue between the European Union and Turkey," he said, in apparent reference to the French and Austrian governments' reluctance to back full membership for Turkey.

Britain has been a vocal supporter of eventual Turkish EU membership, with Miliband describing the queen's visit as "a symbol of the deepening relationship" between the two countries. Miliband: People Choose Government, Not Lawyers >>> May 15, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback - UK)
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British Poltics Just Got a Whole Lot Dirtier: Miliband Urged to Depose the Hapless Brown
Photo of Gordon Brown courtesy of The Sunday Express
THE SUNDAY EXPRESS: DAVID Miliband was last night being urged to challenge Gordon Brown for the Labour leadership to save the party from meltdown in a general election.

The Foreign Secretary, reported to be holding a weekend “summit” with allies at his country retreat in Chevening, Kent, is seen by many as Labour’s best hope of heading off David Cameron’s resurgent Tories.

Senior Blairites, including former spin chief Alastair Campbell, are pressing him to depose the Prime Minister for the good of the party.

As Mr Brown prepared to tour TV studios today to accept the blame for Labour’s woes, a senior party source told the Sunday Express that Mr Miliband was close to agreeing to put himself forward.

The source said: “David’s going for it – he will challenge.” Miliband Urged to Depose Brown >>> By Jason Groves and Kirsty Buchanan

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback - UK)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardback - UK)

Mighty Miliband, the Dhimmi, Speaks on Freedom of Speech
Photo courtesy of Weasel Zippers
UK Foreign Secretary (the Overgrown Schoolboy Still Looking for His Master) "Strongly Condemns" Freedom of Speech When Talking About Islam >>>

Or read the full story UK Strongly Condemns Anti-Islam Propaganda in Europe: Miliband

Hat tip: Eleanor
& Weasel Zippers

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The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardback - UK)

Miliband in Turkey Securing Turkey’s Future in Eurabia
Miliband thinks that the UK needs to ‘engage’ with Turkey far more. The UK, he says, needs to be “outward looking”.

Really, Mr Miliband? So you believe that Turkey belongs in Europe, accelerating further the Islamization of the European continent.

Now what if the majority of the people of Europe disagree with you and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office? Are you still going to go ahead with bringing Turkey into the EU? Well, yes, of course you are! You wouldn’t wish to let a trifling detail like that stand in your way now would you? After all, what do the ‘common folk’ know about what’s good for them?

Mr Miliband, I don’t think you know what you’re doing, and you certainly don’t know what you’re talking about. But then what should we expect. Isn’t it true that your father was a Marxist theoretician? So what can we realistically expect from you in terms of democracy?

Listen here to David Miliband speaking about his father.


Mark Alexander (Paperback)
Mark Alexander (Hardback)

Speak for Yourself, Mr Miliband!
…Britain has a “real respect” for Sudan’s Islamic religion - David Miliband, Foreign Secretary
How can we have “real respect” for a religion whose adherents behave as Muslims do? And how can we have respect for Shari'ah law, with its barbaric practices?

Teddy row teacher 'made innocent mistake' By Aislinn Simpson and Blake Evans-Pritchard

Mark Alexander

Are the Internationalist Miliband’s Ideas on the Future of Europe Dangerous?
Photo of David Miliband courtesy of the BBC
BBC: Foreign Secretary David Miliband has suggested the European Union should work towards including Russia, Middle Eastern and North African countries.

He said enlargement was "our most powerful tool" for extending stability.

In his first major speech on the UK's relationship with Europe, he said the EU would not become a "superpower" but should be a "role model" for the world.

It could be a "model power of regional co-operation" dedicated to free trade, the environment and tackling extremism.

He said the EU must "keep our promises to Turkey", adding: "If we fail.... it will signal a deep and dangerous divide between east and west.

"Beyond that we must keep the door open, retaining the incentive for change and the prospect of membership provides."

Mr Miliband made his address at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, where Baroness Thatcher delivered her famous warning against "some sort of identikit European personality" almost exactly two decades ago in September 1988. EU 'should expand beyond Europe' (more)

Miliband EU speech in full

WATCH BBC VIDEO:
EU ‘must look beyond Europe’

By contrast:

Baroness Thatcher
First, may I thank you for giving me the opportunity to return to Bruges - and in very different circumstances from my last visit shortly after the Zeebrugge ferry disaster, when Belgian courage and the devotion of your doctors and nurses saved so many British lives.

Second, may I say what a pleasure it is to speak at the College of Europe under the distinguished leadership of its Rector, Professor Lukaszewski. The College plays a vital and increasingly important part in the life of the European Community.

Third, may I also thank you for inviting me to deliver my address in this magnificent hall. What better place to speak of Europe's future than in a building which so gloriously recalls the greatness that Europe had already achieved over 600 years ago?

Your city of Bruges has many other historical associations for us in Britain. Geoffrey Chaucer was a frequent visitor here. And the first book to be printed in the English language was produced here in Bruges by William Caxton.

Mr Chairman, you have invited me to speak on the subject of Britain and Europe. Perhaps I should congratulate you on your courage. If you believe some of the things said and written about my views on Europe, it must seem rather like inviting Genghis Khan to speak on the virtues of peaceful co­existence!

I want to start by disposing of some myths about my country, Britain, and its relationship with Europe. And to do that I must say something about the identity of Europe itself.

Europe is not the creation of the Treaty of Rome. Nor is the European idea the property of any group or institution. We British are as much heirs to the legacy of European culture as any other nation. Our links to the rest of Europe, the continent of Europe, have been the dominant factor in our history. For three hundred years we were part of the Roman Empire and our maps still trace the straight lines of the roads the Romans built. Our ancestors - Celts, Saxons and Danes - came from the continent.

Our nation was - in that favourite Community word ­ "restructured" under Norman and Angevin rule in the eleventh and twelfth centuries.

This year we celebrate the three hundredth anniversary of the Glorious Revolution in which the British crown passed to Prince William of Orange and Queen Mary. Visit the great Churches and Cathedrals of Britain, read our literature and listen to our language: all bear witness to the cultural riches which we have drawn from Europe - and other Europeans from us.

We in Britain are rightly proud of the way in which, since Magna Carta in 1215, we have pioneered and developed representative institutions to stand as bastions of freedom. And proud too of the way in which for centuries Britain was a home for people from the rest of Europe who sought sanctuary from tyranny.

But we know that without the European legacy of political ideas we could not have achieved as much as we did. From classical and mediaeval thought we have borrowed that concept of the rule of law which marks out a civilised society from barbarism.

And on that idea of Christendom - for long synonymous with Europe - with its recognition of the unique and spiritual nature of the individual, we still base our belief in personal liberty and other human rights.

Too often the history of Europe is described as a series of interminable wars and quarrels. Yet from our perspective today surely what strikes us most is our common experience. For instance, the story of how Europeans explored and colonised and - yes, without apology -civilised much of the world is an extraordinary tale of talent, skill and courage.

We British have in a special way contributed to Europe. Over the centuries we have fought to prevent Europe from falling under the dominance of a single power. We have fought and we have died for her freedom. Only miles from here in Belgium lie the bodies of 120,000 British soldiers who died in the First World War. Had it not been for that willingness to fight and to die, Europe would have been united long before now-but not in liberty, not in justice. It was British support to resistance movements throughout the last War that helped to keep alive the flame of liberty in so many countries until the day of liberation.

Tomorrow, King Baudouin will attend a service in Brussels to commemorate the many brave Belgians who gave their lives in service with the Royal Air Force - a sacrifice which we shall never forget.

It was from our island fortress that the liberation of Europe itself was mounted. And still today we stand together. Nearly 70,000 British servicemen are stationed on the mainland of Europe.All these things alone are proof of our commitment to Europe's future.

The European Community is one manifestation of that European identity. But it is not the only one. We must never forget that East of the Iron Curtain peoples who once enjoyed a full share of European culture, freedom and identity have been cut off from their roots. We shall always look on Warsaw, Prague and Budapest as great European cities.

Nor should we forget that European values have helped to make the United States of America into the valiant defender of freedom which she has become. [Source: The Bruges Speech in full (more)]

The Bruges Group

Mark Alexander

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