Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 29
Continue prioritising diplomatic instruments in foreign policy, supported by effective deterrence.
Conclusion
[The Refresh states that the Tilt was pursued largely through non-military instruments, such as diplomacy, trade, development, technological exchange and engagement with regional organisations, with only a modest increase in defence spending.] This stress on the use of diplomatic instruments should continue to the extent possible, alongside effective deterrence to minimise the risk of armed conflict.
Government Response Summary
The government's response reiterates the Indo-Pacific's importance and efforts in strategic communications but does not specifically address the committee's recommendation to continue the stress on diplomatic instruments and effective deterrence.
Paragraph Reference:
29
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
12. The Government agrees the Indo-Pacific must form a long term and enduring aspect of the UK’s international policy. A free and open Indo-Pacific is critical to our economy, our security and to our interest in an open and stable international order. This is compatible with the security and prosperity of the Euro-Atlantic remaining our core priority as set out in the Integrated Review Refresh. Furthermore, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and subsequent impact on global food and energy prices underlines that the prosperity and security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are inseparable. 13. The Government disagrees that it has not set out its long-term objectives clearly. The Government has set out its position repeatedly and in public including in the original Integrated Review 2021, the Integrated Review Refresh 2023 and in speeches by the former Secretary of State for Foreign Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly MP in Singapore in September 2022 and at Mansion House in April 2023. 14. The Government agrees that the UK’s Indo-Pacific approach must use all levers at its disposal (diplomacy, trade, development, people-to-people ties, defence engagement and technology and research ties) to build the range of ambitious and effective partnerships that are key to achieving our objectives. Given the breadth and diversity of the region and multi-dimensional nature of the challenges faced, long-term patient diplomacy is needed. We will continue to work across Government including with the Department for Business and Trade and the Ministry of Defence to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. 15. The Government agrees with the Committee on the nomenclature used to describe the UK’s focus on the Indo-Pacific in the Integrated Review 2021. As the Integrated Review Refresh 2023 makes clear, the ‘tilt’ has been achieved and the Indo-Pacific now forms a permanent pillar of the UK’s international policy. The former Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly MP made his position clear that it would be an error to view the ‘tilt’ as a zero-sum game. The FCDO’s global network of 161 sovereign posts, our people and partnership with other HMG departments gives the UK a unique ability to engage in multiple regions at the same time. This is critical for a period of heightened risk and volatility that is likely to last beyond the 2030s. 16. The Government also agrees clear and tailored communication with Indo-Pacific partners in private and in public is an important part of building the long-term partnerships we require and communication domestically of why the region matters to the British public is key. The Government is increasing its strategic communications resource in the region to ensure sustained communication of its goals and intentions.