UK Labour urges more partnership with EU, cautious on China

While the UK Labour Party prepares for a closer connection with the EU if it wins the next election, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asserts that the UK economy “will return to growth” and applauds the measures in the chancellor’s budget “that will help” to accomplish this. David Lammy, the opposition party’s shadow foreign secretary, stated: “I believe there is much more that we can do with Europe in cooperation with the EU and bilaterally” in a document outlining the opposition party’s foreign policy priorities in depth for the first time.

But, Lammy pointed out that he would abandon the much-lauded “Indo-Pacific tilt” of the present Conservative administration, which concentrates on forging deeper connections with nations in that region.

According to recent UK polling, Labour is likely to constitute the country’s next administration after more than ten years in opposition. In the 14,000-word report, which was released on Monday night, the Tories are also charged of “undermining the U.K.’s ties throughout the world, most notably in Europe, leaving us diplomatically detached” and “using Europe as a punching bag for domestic political benefit.”

Business as usual on China

Regarding relations with China, which the opposition claims presents “multifaceted challenges” on the international scene, Labour also seems to favour maintaining the status quo.

While acknowledging that “it is crucial that the U.K. talks with China where it is in our interests to do so, whether on climate change, trade, or global health,” Lammy stressed that Labour would “prioritize national security” above all else and “hold tough on human rights.”