John Baron MP calls for increased FCO funding during Commons debate

MP highlights importance of a well-funded diplomatic service

Today in the House of Commons, MPs held a debate following the Foreign Affairs Committee’s (FAC) report on the Government’s Spending Review. The FAC called for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) budget to be protected in real terms, if not increased. The Government has done the former, but has not done the latter.

John said,

“The old adage that ‘time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted’ has served the Army well, and Ministers should also remember it when funding the FCO. However, cuts to the FCO budget in recent years have led to staff reductions and a consequent loss of essential skills and analysis. The Government is right therefore to protect the FCO budget in real terms, but the budget should really be increased – it is a false economy if not, as it would help us avoid expensive mistakes.”

“In contrast to other countries such as the United States, where a large number of organisations feed into the process, foreign policymaking in Britain is much narrower. A small number of people are involved, so it is essential all components are firing on all cylinders – including the FCO. Otherwise, our response to international events will be unconvincing.”

“During the Arab Spring, we had to call Arabic speakers out of retirement, and we had no Crimea expert during its annexation by Russia. This lack of in-depth knowledge has contributed to mistakes in Iraq, Helmand, Libya and Syria. One never knows where the next trouble spot will be, so it is important to have a well-funded diplomatic service to ensure a comprehensive response.”

“The FCO also oversees such soft power institutions as the British Council, which does much work to promote Britain and our culture across the world. In this technological age, the narrative will belong as much to those who win the story as it will the conflict. So recent cuts to the British Council’s grant compel a more commercial approach which could impact on its credibility. This is not serving the country well.”

Ends
Word Count: 285
Date: 1st March 2016

Notes to Editors:

• John has been a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee since 2010, and opposed our interventions in Iraq (2003 and 2014), Helmand, Libya and Syria (in 2013 and 2015).