New British Government’s Foreign Policy Discussed at Pathfinder Roundtable

Pathfinder Foundation held its third Ambassadors’ Roundtable featuring Andrew Patrick, High Commissioner of United Kingdom,  in Sri Lanka.  High Commissioner Patrick provided valuable insights into the new British government’s foreign policy outlook. The event was attended by representatives from the Foreign Ministry, print and electronic media, academic institutions, and think tanks based in Colombo.

The High Commissioner highlighted key areas of the new government’s foreign policy priorities during his introductory remarks. He began by offering a brief history of the Labour Party, providing the context for the government’s anticipated stance. He emphasised the importance of a balanced foreign policy, stressing the UK’s commitment to maintaining strong global relationships with major countries and regions.  He added that several reviews are being undertaken that will shape the new government’s policies.

A significant focus of his discussion was the UK’s efforts to reconnect with the European Union. Turning to international matters, he addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which commenced with the attempts to change the borders of Europe. High Commissioner Patrick also briefly touched on the conflict in the Middle East, specifically the Israel-Gaza situation, which is of considerable concern to the UK. 

In addition to political matters, High Commissioner Patrick spoke about economic relationships. He highlighted the UK’s commitment to strengthening its economic ties with India, recognising mutual growth and development potential. He also mentioned the UK government’s continued support of development support and market access for SMEs under the Developing Countries’ Trading Scheme (DCTS), a facility similar to the GSP scheme of the European Union providing enhanced preferential arrangements. He made particular reference to opportunities for the organic products sector, which has shown promise in the UK.

The roundtable concluded with a lively discussion, reflecting the diverse interests and expertise of the participants. High Commissioner Patrick’s address was met with appreciation, offering a comprehensive overview of the new British government’s priorities and its strategies for addressing the complexities of the current global landscape.