The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
MPs visit St Andrews to ask about Global Britain
Event will hear views from students, academics and local businesses to help shape UK’s international policy
The House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee will be in St Andrews today to hear what the community understands by the term “Global Britain”.
Since June 2016, government ministers have repeatedly insisted the UK’s decision to leave the EU does not mean it is leaving Europe or withdrawing from the wider world.
Foreign affairs, trade, aid and defence have all been cited by ministers in reference to Global Britain but, according to the committee’s initial report in March, the government has failed to produce a specific policy.
The committee has set out a list of questions for the UK Government, including policy priorities, areas where the UK can have the greatest impact, the resources and infrastructure needed to support the government’s aspirations and metrics that can be used to measure its success.
It is hoped that the audience in St Andrews will be able to make a significant contribution to this discussion.
Committee chairman Tom Tugendhat MP will be joined by committee members Stephen Gethins, SNP MP for North East Fife, Labour MP Ian Murray and Conservative Priti Patel at St Andrews University’s Parliament Hall from 5.30-7.30pm.
Mr Tugendhat said: “Now is the time to take stock of the UK’s role in the world, not just because the UK is discussing how we leave the EU but also in light of changes in the international system and the global balance of power.
“This is a crucial time and we have invited students, academics and local business to come and tell us what Global Britain means to them and how it matters to them.”
The sessions are part of a rolling inquiry during which the committee is gathering the views of the public, key figures and ministers.
They hope they can glean an understanding and interpretation of what Global Britain will mean for the UK’s foreign policy strategy.