Foreign Affairs

A Conservative Government's approach to foreign affairs will be based on liberal Conservative principles.

Liberal, because Britain must be open and engaged with the world, supporting human rights and championing the cause of democracy and the rule of law at every opportunity. But Conservative, because our policy must be hard-headed and practical, dealing with the world as it is and not as we wish it were.

We and our allies face our most serious challenges from persistent international terrorism, attempts by Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, and a newly aggressive Russia.

We must recognise that we are much stronger working through NATO, the UN, or the G8 than when acting alone, and that our moral authority is vital to our success.

Britain enjoys a unique position - it is the place where America, Europe and the Commonwealth meet. Our outlook and responsibilities have always been global, and for Britain to play a full role on the international stage we must:

  • Restore cabinet government to our foreign policy decision-making and establish a national security council 
  • Properly manage our relations with the United States while extending our alliances and trading relationships elsewhere 
  • Champion reform of the EU and other multilateral or global institutions while simultaneously upholding our own highest values
  • News

Hague calls for release of UK Embassy staff arrested in Iran

Friday, July 3 The Shadow Foreign Secretary says the prospect of Embassy staff facing show trials is "utterly unacceptable".

Hague urges Miliband to bring the Binyam Mohamed case to an end

Friday, May 8 David Miliband must ask the Obama Administration for the right to release information to the High Court.

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Rt Hon William Hague MP

William is the Shadow Foreign Secretary. He was heavily involved in student politics and has been an MP since 1989.

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William Hague video profile

William Hague is Shadow Foreign Secretary. His job is made up of two key aspects: forming the Conservative Party's foreign policy while also forging the relationships around the world that we're going to need in government.

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