Establishing a distinctive foreign policy

In a keynote speech at the Foreign Office in London, William Hague has outlined Coalition plans for a "clear, focused and effective" foreign policy.

He criticised the previous Labour Government for neglecting to lift its eyes to the wider strategic needs of this county and failing to secure our influence in a rapidly changing world.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Secretary set out five key areas for pursuing a distinctive British foreign policy:

1. Establishing a National Security Council and launching a Strategic Defence & Security Review
2. Bringing together all of the Departments of Government in the pursuit of national objectives
3. Using our national strengths and advantages to build strong bilateral relationships for the UK. They include our world-class education system, the standing of our Armed Forces and quality of our Intelligence Services and GCHQ, which are unique and of inestimable value
4. Encouraging the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to be more ambitious in articulating and leading Britain's efforts overseas
5. Giving due weight to Britain's membership of the European Union and other multilateral institutions, including NATO, the United Nations and the Commonwealth.

Concluding the speech, William said: "We are now raising our sights for the longer term, looking at the promotion of British interests in the widest sense."

And he added, "Although the next twenty years is likely to be a time of increased danger in foreign affairs, it is also a time of extraordinary opportunity for a country that sets out to make the most of its still great advantages."

David Cameron: The Conservative approach to national security

David Cameron: The Conservative approach to national security

UK Shadow Cabinet Minister states no plans to change tax status for British expatriates

Dubai based British Conservatives mobilize for upcoming UK General Election



In photograph attached - from left to right:

Douglas Hansen-Luke, Philippa Buckley, Andrew Mitchell MP, Zulfi Hydari, David Haigh and Bashir Siman.

Dubai, January 10 2010 – Andrew Mitchell MP, Britain's Shadow Secretary of State for International Development visited British Conservatives and leading businessmen at the Capital Club in Dubai International Financial Centre yesterday.

Returning from a trip to Pakistan he spoke on the importance of peace and stability as an essential first step in development for the bottom billion of the world's population and reaffirmed the Tories commitment to spending 0.7% of GDP on international development.

He defended this action at a time when 25% of all British government spending is debt funded by highlighting that encouraging development will further global stability and this is in Britain's long-term interest.

On British government spending he said that cuts are inevitable but the Conservatives would refrain from taxing expatriates on overseas earnings. When challenged on increasing the maximum number of tax free days for UK residence, Mr Mitchell said that this would not be a priority but encouraged Middle East residents to make their case

Andrew Mitchell MP closed his remarks by highlighting just how close the general election will be and encouraged all Britons abroad to register to vote through www.dontleaveyourvoteathome.com

Zulfi Hydari, Co-Chairman of Conservatives Abroad in Dubai said, “We are delighted Andrew Mitchell MP was able to make time in his busy schedule to address a distinguished group of British Conservatives and leading businessmen at the Capital Club.”

Mr. Hydari added, “We enjoyed strong turnout and Mr. Mitchell’s address was very well received.”

David Haigh, Co-Chairman said, “Our guests were given an opportunity to question Mr. Mitchell on various policy issues including, energy, immigration, taxation and defense. The feedback was very positive and we look forward to continuing our efforts to encourage voter registration in the run up to the next election.”

Drinks Reception for Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell MP

Drinks Reception in Dubai to welcome Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell MP




Andrew Mitchell MP is the Shadow Secretary of State for International Development as well as the Shadow Cabinet Member with responsibility for Birmingham. Andrew is 53, married with two daughters. He was educated at Rugby School and Cambridge University, where he studied history and was elected as President of the Cambridge Union in 1978. Andrew served in the Army (Royal Tank Regiment) before joining Lazard where he worked with British companies seeking large-scale overseas contracts.

He was the Member of Parliament for Gedling from 1987 to 1997. During this period he held office as a Government Whip and as Minister for Social Security. He also served as a Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party from 1992 to 1993. In 2001 he was re-elected to Parliament as MP for Sutton Coldfield. In November 2003, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Economic Affairs. From September 2004 until the end of the Parliamentary term, he was Shadow Minister for Home Affairs. Following the General Election in May 2005 Andrew joined the Shadow Cabinet and was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for International Development. An experienced and highly effective MP and former Government Minister.