A new prime minister, a new place for the UK in the world?

As the UK’s new prime minister, Liz Truss faces huge challenges at home and abroad. Can she keep the ‘Global Britain’ dream alive?

Members event, Panel Recording
6 September 2022 — 5:30PM TO 6:30PM
Chatham House and Online

A new prime minister, a new place for the UK in the world? 2nd part

— The UK’s new prime minister faces huge challenges at home and abroad. Can they keep the ‘Global Britain’ dream alive?

Liz Truss is the UK’s new prime minister. While the campaign to replace Boris Johnson largely focused on taxation and domestic issues, she has the opportunity to redefine Britain’s role on the world stage.

The Boris Johnson administration’s foreign policy saw worsening tensions with Brussels, increasing hawkishness towards China, a firm commitment to support Ukraine, differences with Commonwealth allies and a new geopolitical strategy outlined in the Integrated Review.

Britain’s new prime minister must steer the ship in choppy waters, at a time when some of the UK’s historic alliances are under doubt, and the global order seems more fractured than it has in decades.

Our panel addresses the following questions:

  • What is the role of UK foreign policy in the face of a recession and cost of living crisis?

  • Will UK–EU relations improve, and should there be a different approach to the Northern Ireland protocol?

  • Can Ukraine expect the same level of support that Boris Johnson provided?

  • How will the new prime minister deal with the rise of China and the ‘Indo-Pacific tilt’ outlined in the Integrated Review?

  • As the UK emerges from yet more domestic political turmoil, what does the world expect from Britain?

This event is part of Chatham House’s ongoing work on the UK’s role in the world. A post-event reception will follow this event.

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