British foreign policy must emerge from shadow of Iraq

Hilary Benn, the UK shadow foreign secretary, is urging Labour to resist isolationism and arguing that British foreign policy has to emerge from the long shadow cast by the 2003 Iraq invasion, The Guardian reported.

In comments that come after Jeremy Corbyn denounced the “jingoistic cheering” of MPs in response to Benn’s Commons speech backing the extension of the air campaign to Syria, Benn argues: “Our foreign policy must learn the lessons of the Iraq conflict, but not be shackled by it. It should not be a reason to retreat from the world and our responsibilities in it, or to rely on others to fight for our interests.

“If Labour is to become the party of government again, voters need to be clear that we will stand up for British interests and our values abroad.”

Admitting British foreign policy over the last decade has been conducted in the long shadow of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, he urged Labour to think afresh about its international responsibilities.

His remarks were made in an essay welcoming a collection of pieces in a Fabian Society pamphlet urging Labour to focus on foreign policy issues such as interventionism, human rights, Russia, and middle east diplomacy from first principles.

The essays include strong support for the renewal of Trident and strong criticism of David Cameron for subsuming UK foreign policy to trade interests as opposed to human rights.

Corbyn came to power broadly opposed to military intervention and renewal of the Trident nuclear submarine, and critical of Nato and the EU. His stance has led to continual clashes in both public and private with Benn, some of which remain unresolved.

Source: MENA