Former diplomats and officials are calling for a radical reform of Britain's foreign policy, proposing the abolition of the Foreign Office and its replacement with a new Department for

International Affairs. This proposal comes from a group of senior former diplomats who argue that the Foreign Office is elitist, rooted in the past, and struggling to deliver a clear mandate. They suggest that a new department with a broader remit would be better equipped to address Britain's long-term international objectives by coordinating strategy on trade, aid, development, and climate change alongside traditional foreign policy.

The authors of the proposal, including former cabinet secretary Lord Sedwill and former director general at the Foreign Office Moazzam Malik, criticize the current Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) for operating too much like a private office for the foreign secretary and lacking clear prioritization and resource allocation. They argue for a new Department for International Affairs that would signal a departure from the colonial-era mindset, with modernized premises reflecting a more open and forward-looking approach.

The proposal also emphasizes the need for Britain to redefine its role as an offshore, mid-sized power and to form pragmatic partnerships with other middle powers around the world. This would involve a willingness to share rights with emerging countries in reformed multilateral institutions and to adopt a more humble and respectful approach on the world stage.

In response, the FCDO spokesperson highlighted the department's efforts to maximize the benefits of merging diplomacy and development, emphasizing its commitment to having a greater impact and influence globally. However, the authors of the proposal argue that a new international affairs department is needed to steer long-term strategy and policy, with implementation carried out by more semi-autonomous agencies. Photo by UK Government, Wikimedia commons.