Britain in the World

Partnership in Power - Draft Final Year Documents DRAFT - This is a discussion paper only. The content of this document does not necessarily reflect Government or Labour Party policy.

Introduction

Labour's international policy is driven by Britain's national interest and Labour's core values of social justice, equality and opportunity for all. In the last eleven years Britain's role and influence has strengthened and we have witnessed unprecedented progress around the world with greater access to healthcare, education and a safer environment for many. Labour has been at the forefront of this fight for global equality. However in order to ensure progress continues to be made we must be vigilant to the new challenges we face including extremism and international terrorism, weapons proliferation, and failed states and regional instability.

As the structure and nature of the world changes our international policy must also evolve to reflect new trends and deal with new challenges. It is only through creating a global society and working with a wide range of groups- both governmental and nongovernmental- that we can address these challenges. Globalisation represents great opportunity but in order to ensure it benefits everyone individual potential must be unlocked through collective action at all levels of society.

Working to ensure a fairer world for all remains central to Labour's core values. We will continue to lead the battle against world poverty and play an active role in the world to ensure that where you are born does not determine your chances in life. We will also continue to stand firm against threats to national security and to peace, freedom and democracy around the world and continue the fight against human rights abuses which has always been central to our foreign policy.

Achieving these goals requires strong bilateral relationships with our international partners. A Labour Government will work to create strong and effective international rules and institutions. In the long term it is only through effective international institutions that we can safeguard our national security. This is why our position on the UN Security Council should be used to the full, not least to accelerate the pace of reform at the UN. That is also why the Labour Government has been right to press for full engagement in the European Union so it turns outwards to lead in tackling the main global challenges.

Eleven years ago we were isolated in Europe now we are leading the debate on issues including international development, climate change and how to secure continued economic prosperity. We will demonstrate to British citizens the benefits that EU membership has brought to Britain and show what we can achieve when we work together on issues of huge international importance.

The Conservatives have said we should be 'sceptical' about global engagement. They are wrong. We should be committed to it. Britain has strong links around the globe and, just as the City has become a global hub for finance, Britain should see itself as a global hub. That requires a foreign policy led by clear priorities. Unlike the Conservative Party's introspective and isolationist approach to foreign policy we will remain outward looking and internationalist by building and maintaining alliances around the world.

Tackling World Poverty

The last eleven years have seen a revolution in the fight against global poverty and Labour is proud to have been one of its leaders. The Department for International Development, established by Labour in 1997, is recognised as a model for overseas development around the world and demonstrates Labour's commitment in this area. We are on track to meet our commitment to the UN target of 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) in aid spending by 2013, two years ahead of the UN goal.

However, much more still needs to be done to tackle world poverty. While the number of people living on less than $1 a day has decreased this is largely due to growth in Asia; it has actually increased in Sub-Saharan Africa. We will ensure that between 2004 and 2010, total UK bilateral and multilateral aid to Africa will double, as pledged at Gleneagles. We cannot afford to be complacent and will develop innovative and effective responses to international poverty whilst encouraging others to do the same.

Delivering on our promises

"World Vision welcomes the Labour Party's commitment to fulfilling the UK's pledge to increase the UK aid budget to 0.7% of GNI by 2013 and would urge continued efforts to work closely with European and other international partners to ensure that they also meet their commitments and that the MDGs are achieved." World Vision

At the Millennium Summit in 2000 the international community - every world leader, every international body, and almost every country - vowed to spare no effort to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to;

• Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
• Achieve universal primary education
• Promote gender equality and empower women
• Reduce child mortality
• Improve maternal health
• Combat HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases
• Ensure environmental sustainability
• Develop a global partnership for development

Leaders at the Gleneagles G8 Summit in July 2005 agreed a momentous plan to fight poverty and to ensure the MDGS are reached by 2015 but today the international community is off-track in meeting these goals and it is clear that we are facing a development emergency. Whilst the UK is on target to meet our commitments we need fresh momentum to ensure that European and other international partners do the same.

We are leading an international campaign that brings together governments, civil society, trade unions, the private sector, cities and faith groups to get the world back on track in achieving the MDGs. This culminates in a UN Secretary General led event in September 2008 where the international community can redouble its efforts to meet the MDGs.

It is not only the quantity of aid that matters but the way it is delivered. Labour will ensure effective aid delivery with policies across government aligned to tackle poverty and we will target our aid on those areas and people who need it most. We will continue supporting innovative methods of development assistance including the International Finance Facility and will double our funding for science and technology research in order to find new drugs and new technologies to assist with agricultural development and management of climate change.

As collectively the world's largest aid donor, a significant humanitarian aid supplier and the world's largest trading bloc, the European Union matters for development. Labour has been at its heart calling for greater aid effectiveness and transparency. There have been substantial improvements in European aid effectiveness since reform - which the Labour Government called for - began in 2000, but more needs to be done. We supported the Lisbon Treaty which is a long awaited opportunity to improve the coherence in European aid structures and further help drive aid effectiveness. We continue to work to ensure that the European Union delivers on its promises to help people around the world

The role of trade

No country in the developing world has reduced poverty in the last 30 years without increasing growth. In 2005 world leaders pledged to make it easier for poor countries to export their products yet progress on the Doha trade round has been slow. We have made pressing for a trade deal at Doha that helps lift millions out of poverty a priority. Poor countries need time to manage the transition to more open markets and should not be forced to liberalise at the expense of their development. That is why we have fought for flexibility in the EU Economic Partnership Agreements. We strongly support trade policies and agreements being based on research and analysis of their likely social, economic and environmental impacts, and encourage this wherever possible.

In recognition of the strong links between capacity building and economic development we will contribute to a multi-million pound 'aid for trade' programme for poor countries to help build the necessary infrastructure to take advantage of trading opportunities.

Government action is crucial but is not sufficient on its own. It is only through increasing public awareness about fair trade and working with retailers to encourage fairer and more transparent business practices that we can really help to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide

Promoting good governance

"Britain should encourage the building of democracy and free education provision throughout the world as a long term goal, in order to foster political change and 45 improvement on a wider basis." City of Durham CLP open policy forum

The march of political democracy in the past 20 years - 56 more countries have established democratic systems - is striking. But the speed of progress has not been matched by similar development of sub-national government and social and civic institutions. The checks and balances of democratic governance are important for the security and development of any society: from established systems like ours to the new democracies of Eastern Europe and Africa to the emerging economies of China and the Middle East.

Poor governance hinders economic and social development, and creates opportunities for extremism, terrorism, and transnational crime. Working for good governance around the world will remain at the heart of our foreign and development policy. We will deliver a global partnership for development that stretches beyond governments and politicians, to engage citizens, civil society, business and trade unions to ensure that governments work effectively.

The UK's new Governance and Transparency Fund is an invaluable resource which will enable local groups to better hold their governments to account. Its funds have already increased from £100 million to £130 million in recognition of the interest it has generated. The bottom-up approach embodied in this initiative highlights the grass-roots approach we will continue to take to development through encouraging local involvement wherever possible rather than imposing top down solutions which may not be best suited to development needs.

Good governance is important at all levels. The provision of effective public services can only be achieved where central and local government work in harmony. We will continue to promote this and support the role that peer review mechanisms and regional bodies can play in promoting good governance

Tackling corruption is essential to improving good governance and ensuring effective aid delivery. We will ensure that the delivery of UK aid takes into account governance arrangements, corruption and adherence to human rights. Strengthening public services and civil society in developing countries can help to reduce levels of corruption but we must also tackle the money-laundering channels which allow corruption to flourish.

We have already signed and ratified the UN convention against corruption and are the largest donor to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) which was set up to fight corruption through increased transparency of payments from companies to governments and to help make sure that natural resources and the wealth they generate are well governed. We will continue to provide practical support to governments to help them investigate corruption and will continue to publish an annual UK action plan to tackle corruption affecting developing countries. We will work to reduce bribery and moneylaundering by UK companies and will continue to build on the strength of the dedicated overseas corruption unit, established by Labour in 2006, to investigate allegations of bribery and money laundering.

Enhancing security and meeting fundamental human needs

"Security is best achieved by working towards elimination of world poverty" Exeter CLP

In the UK, access to public services and social security is a fundamental right and we will work with developing countries to ensure this is a right world-wide. We will commit half of our direct bilateral support to public services meeting fundamental human needs such as healthcare, education, sanitation and fighting disease, and will work with developing countries to help deliver National Action Plans. We will also support essential private sector investment and job creation, including through reforms to international trade rules, giving support to the quality as well as the quantity of investment.

Providing effective public services is impossible without addressing the insecurity, conflict and failed states that cost lives, put human rights at risk and prevent progress in development. There are a number of faltering states in the post-cold war world. We can see the challenges of governance in countries where the state is weak - Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia. We also see examples in Burma and Zimbabwe of where the state is too strong, undemocratic and unaccountable and failing to respect human rights or respond to human needs. It is in all our interests to address the poor governance that can lead to conflict and instability. We will continue to work with international allies to prevent the emergence of failed states.

Fighting disease

"We welcome the International Health Partnership launched by the Prime Minister last September, and the focus on developing health systems in the global south" UNISON Labour Link

Fighting disease is vital for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Although there has been progress with life expectancy in the developing world increasing by a quarter in the last forty years, we need to work harder to tackle disease especially with new strains of disease and the risks that climate change poses to health.

Disease is not purely a health issue but an economic, social and political problem. Every year 2.5 million people are infected with the HIV virus. We will tackle both the treatment and prevention of HIV and AIDS through, among other measures, greater education, investment in drugs and support for carers. We will also maintain efforts to achieve the global goal of universal access to prevention and treatment and care programmes by 2010.

Too many people in the developing world die of preventable diseases such as polio and tuberculosis. In order to tackle these diseases we will ensure greater access to vaccinations by working with pharmaceutical companies to encourage low pricing initiatives. Too many people die every day simply because they don't have clean water to drink or live in unsanitary conditions. Providing clean water and sanitation is crucial for reducing disease. We have already doubled our assistance to water and sanitation in Africa to £95 million a year and will more than double this to £200 million a year by 2010/11. We will ensure that this aid is targeted at those countries which are furthest away from meeting the MDG on water and sanitation. In Southern Afghanistan, our Armed Forces are working with local forces to improve security. They are also working with aid officials and local government to build hundreds of new wells.

Every year, malaria causes more than one million estimated deaths, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Britain has been in the vanguard of the fight against malaria. We have supported the targeting of malaria through the use of insecticide- treated mosquito nets. We will contribute £100 million to fund 20 million more bed nets- one of the most effective ways of preventing malaria over extended periods.

The Labour Government's launch of a new International Health Partnership between donor countries, developing countries and other health agencies was an important step in tackling the problems of coordination that can hinder health delivery and demonstrates our commitment in this area. We will implement the International Finance Facility for Immunisation, which aims to save five million lives over the next decade. We are currently the world' second largest donor to the global fight against HIV and AIDS and will continue to be a key donor to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

Many developing countries, particularly in Africa, suffer from a shortage of health workers with poor pay and working conditions driving trained staff away. The Labour Government will continue working with African governments to help build effective health systems and create incentives, including better pay and job opportunities, to encourage health workers to stay in their own countries.

Vulnerable groups

Poverty affects certain groups particularly badly. As well as women these include children, disabled people and older people. We will ensure that development policy takes into account the specific needs of these groups.

Labour is committed to education for all. In 2006 we announced £8.5 billion to help ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete at least five years of quality education. In government we have supported the Lisbon Treaty which enshrines children's rights for the first time in EU policy-making. We will extend the fight against child poverty globally and will encourage universal access to education by helping developing countries to eradicate school fees and increase awareness about the importance of education. We will also continue working closely with the governments of poor countries to improve both the access to and the quality of schooling.

Children suffer disproportionately from the effects of conflict whether through forced conscription as child soldiers or because of disruptive effects to their education and livelihoods. It is because Labour is committed to the rights of every child that we will seek to provide education not just in places of comfort and peace but everywhere in the world by ensuring that investment in conflict zones is targeted to support education. One of NATO's greatest achievements in Afghanistan is to support the Afghan government in seeing many millions more children, including girls, attending school compared to the situation before 2001.

Our work to improve developing countries' health systems, to increase access to basic health services and to improve some of the other factors that affect health, such as water, sanitation and female education will also help to reduce child mortality. We will also continue to contribute to initiatives including the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation and Roll back Malaria which have helped revitalise interest in childhood diseases and substantially increased the resources directed to child health.

We coordinated the signing of the UN Convention on Disability Rights. The Convention covers areas such as the right to life, access to justice, personal mobility, health, education and work.

Women in the World

Women represent the future of their countries and their empowerment must be one of our most important foreign policy goals. Women suffer disproportionately from the effects of poverty and under-development - around 70 per cent of the 1.3 billion people who live in extreme poverty are women and girls- yet many countries still do not recognise the huge gender disparities that exist. Labour believes that addressing gender equality is not only a moral necessity but is crucial to fighting global poverty and must be recognised in all development policy. However it is important not to see women as victims, as they have been hugely influential in achieving change and should be fully involved in decision-making processes.

Economic and political empowerment

Increasing economic and political opportunities for women is fundamental to improving women's lives and tackling poverty, extremism, and conflict. In many parts of the developing world women dominate the informal economy and greater support needs to be given to them. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 microfinance clients are women and we will continue our support for microfinance initiatives. We have already pledged £35 million over the next two years to the Government of Afghanistan's microfinance scheme. These loans are giving women the chance to start or expand small businesses, engage in the economy, and gain a degree of financial independence that would otherwise be out of reach.

Despite some limited progress women remain severely underrepresented in politics. But as the case of Rwanda shows, where women now occupy almost half of the seats in the National assembly, change is possible. Afghanistan now has significant numbers of women in national and local politics, something which was illegal under the Taleban. We have already worked with civil society and national governments in Sierra Leone to help increase the number of women participating in parliamentary and local elections and we will continue to work to help increase the representation of women in all sectors- both at home and abroad.

Health

Every minute a woman dies in pregnancy or childbirth, yet many of these deaths are preventable. In order to tackle this high level of maternal mortality we will ensure that health provision helps meet women's needs. We have pledged to provide an additional £100 million by 2012 to the United Nations Population Fund to support governments in Africa and South Asia to provide more condoms, contraceptive pills, and advice on better sexual health to poor women, girls and men.

HIV and AIDS also have a huge impact on women. In Sub-Saharan Africa 61 per cent of 15- 24 year olds living with HIV and Aids are female. Whilst women are disproportionately victims of AIDS they are also the principal providers of care and support. We will fund gender-specific approaches to HIV and AIDS which address the barriers women face in accessing treatment and contraception.

Violence against women

"Refuge supports the Millennium Development Goals, one of which includes promoting gender equality and empowering women. Domestic violence is a human rights issue and is closely linked to this goal yet for many women and children the right to a life free of violence is consistently breached." Refuge

Many women continue to be the victims of violence, both within and outside the home. This violence is often facilitated by a culture of silence and impunity and we will support work with both men and women to increase education and tackle the gender norms which often allow this violence to continue.

Gender-specific violence including rape, trafficking and prostitution is increasingly used as a weapon during armed conflicts. The Labour Government has already provided £3.2 million to the United Nations to encourage women's involvement in peace keeping and to help prevent sexual violence in conflict and post conflict situations. We will work to ensure that the vital role women can play in conflict reconstruction and peace agreements is acknowledged by the international community.

UN Security Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security should guide our actions in conflict and post-conflict zones and we will ensure its rigorous implementation.

A Global Society

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall the world has changed radically. At a time when power is more dispersed than ever, with the rise of Asia, the global reach of companies and more demanding citizens, Britain's influence will come through its relationships and networks. Britain's leading position on the world stage means we have a moral responsibility to ensure that the benefits of globalisation reach everyone in all corners of the world. There is not only a moral argument to act but also a pragmatic one as national interest and shared interest are often the same, with instability and poverty in one part of the world affecting citizens worldwide.

Reforming global governance

"The UN Security Council should be reformed to reflect current realities, for example through the inclusion of India and Brazil." Stirling CLP

Many of the new challenges we face today are not confined to national borders but demand a global response. We will work to reform the international institutions of global governance to meet the new challenges we face and to make them more inclusive, legitimate and effective.

We are committed to an expanded United Nations Security Council to include influential countries such as India, Brazil, Germany, Japan and an African nation. Reform of the UN must reach across the whole organisation. We will support the 'One UN' approach which ensures better coordination of UN departments through one in-country office and one budget. This will ensure better aid delivery, increased humanitarian capacity and a more cohesive approach to peace-keeping and peace-making. We will also build consensus among others to speed up the pace of reform. We are also committed to ensuring that respect for human rights, together with security and development are at its heart.

It is not only the UN that is in need of reform. We will also press international institutions including international financial institutions to be more effective in responding to development priorities. We will also work to ensure that the World Bank's development programmes provide an integrated approach for tackling both poverty reduction and climate change.

The UK Government has pioneered a 'country led' approach to development, avoiding prescriptive economic conditionality, such as forced market liberalisation, on developing countries. We will urge other countries and institutions to adopt a similar approach in recognising the diverse needs of developing countries. We will also encourage them to untie aid, as the UK government has done, so that developing countries are not required to purchase certain goods and services in return for aid.

It is also vital that we help develop the capacity and strength of regional institutions as these organisations are often best placed and possess the necessary local knowledge and expertise to assist with conflict prevention, development and promoting human rights.

Other organisations including the Commonwealth and the G8 also play an important role in the world. The Commonwealth represents nearly 30 per cent of the world's population but is often undervalued as a source of power. We will also work to expand the G8 to reflect shifts in the global balance of power enabling it to better address challenges such as climate change. We will continue to play our full role in an enlarged and more outward-looking EU, and support an enlarged and reformed NATO.

Working beyond government

Just as the structure of the international system has changed so have the actors within it. We no longer live in a world where government action alone is enough. That is why we will work with others to achieve global progress on international development.

As the 2005 Make Poverty History campaign demonstrated, the revolution in media and communications enables new forms of global collective action, with government and global non-governmental organisations able to support bottom-up pressure, both at home and abroad These organisations also have a direct role to play on the ground, delivering humanitarian aid and monitoring human rights abuses. It is only by working constructively with such organisations that we can deliver on development.

We will also continue to work with organisations including the BBC World Service and the British Council to influence opinion around the world.

In an increasingly interdependent world, trade unions have an important role to play in helping to uphold core labour standards and campaigning on issues of social justice and human rights. Trade unions are a vital component of civil society in both established and emerging democracies and we will work to support them around the world.

Faith groups also play an important role in building public support at home and abroad and providing crucial services to the poor. We will continue to engage with faith groups to tackle global poverty, to promote inter-faith dialogue and to encourage progressive voices to combat the religious extremism that often lies at the heart of international insecurity.

The reach of business is greater than ever and the private sector has an important role to play in encouraging growth and ensuring fair business practice in the developing world. We will work with the private sector to encourage their productive engagement on development issues and ensure that their involvement is not harmful to the interests of the developing world through encouraging greater corporate social responsibility. We will do this by continuing to strengthen the Ethical Trading Initiative, which brings together retail companies, NGOs and trade unions and strengthening innovative public-private sector partnerships including the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, as well as other corporate accountability initiatives at the global level.

Global economy

Whilst globalisation can pose many new risks, an open global economy has driven economic growth and raised living standards for people around the world. Continued economic success internationally is vital for the UK's economy and society and crucial for development across the world, in particular for success in emerging from conflict and state failure. That is why we will to continue to press for open, effective and fair markets.

It is only by unlocking people's full potential that they can benefit fully from new global opportunities. We will deliver an economic and social policy which ensures globalisation benefits the many and not the few through encouraging free trade, open markets and investment in people. Long term economic prosperity around the world cannot be achieved without social justice. We will help developing countries to build civil society, implement core labour standards, and promote sustainable development and public service investment.

The Prosperity and Work document covers issues concerning the domestic and international economy.

The rise of Asia

"The Government must keep up the push around the largest emerging nations for ethical development and human rights within world economic development." Bexleyheath and Crayford CLP

Globalisation has changed the flows of people, trade and ideas across borders and has affected the distribution of power. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Asia where the growth of India and China represents the biggest shift of economic power in recent history. We will acknowledge this change in our international strategy by maximising the economic benefits that our relationship with these countries can provide. We will also continue to engage in constructive dialogue with China on issues of concern, including human rights and strengthening democracy. International institutions should also be reformed to reflect this new balance of power.

Climate change and energy security

For many in the developing world climate change is not a future threat but a lived reality. It is in the developing world that the negative impacts of climate change will be seen most clearly and felt most quickly. Climate change is not only an environmental problem but also an economic, social and political issue. Water shortages, flooding and reduced energy supplies will have negative impacts on the economy and food production and potentially exacerbate regional tensions and conflict. Climate change will also affect migratory patterns with restricted resources or environmental change displacing many people. We must act urgently to mitigate these problems.

As the green measures introduced in the 2008 Budget show Labour is committed to tackling climate change. However domestic action is not enough and we will continue to press for global, concerted efforts on this issue. It is particularly important to help developing countries adapt to cope with the consequences of climate change and we will push for greater international support for adaptation to climate change in the least developed countries, and for clean energy investment in the developing world as a whole. Over the next five years we will spend over £100 million on research into the science, social, economic and security impact of climate change for the most vulnerable developing countries.

We will continue to provide resources to deal with humanitarian disasters, likely to be more prevalent with climate change. However, forward prevention must remain Labour's top priority. As the recent Bali talks demonstrate it is only by speaking alongside our EU partners that we can influence the international climate agenda and establish a post-Kyoto framework by 2012.

We have also committed £800 million to an Environment Transformation Fund supporting developing countries to tackle climate change through low-carbon energy investment, adaptation and deforestation. In order to meet international commitments, we will work to strengthen existing measures such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) and to develop new and innovative policies and targets for instance on renewable energy and biofuels.

We will develop a robust and diverse energy policy to ensure that we are not dependent on imports from some of the world's most unstable regions We will also continue to develop sustainable energy sources to reduce our external energy dependency.

Issues concerning climate change and energy security are covered in the Sustainable Communities document

Securing Peace, Freedom and Democracy

We live in an age of unprecedented progress with more people living in peace than ever before. However this progress is under threat from challenges including international terrorism, extremism and failed states. This is why we will ensure that our foreign policy is committed to defending the security of the British people and co-operating with international institutions, to secure peace, freedom, democracy, economic security and environmental protection for all.

We can only make the world a safer place through working with others and that is why our international alliances are so important. A positive relationship with the US, as the world's only superpower, is essential for the future and for ensuring progress on global challenges. Strong relationships with our EU partners, with NATO and with emerging powers such as Russia, India, Brazil and China are also vital.

The terrorist threat and tackling extremism

Since 11 September 2001 the world has changed dramatically. We will ensure that Britain continues to adapt to new global security challenges. The Labour Government has launched its National Security Strategy which outlines how we can protect the safety of our citizens and fight global terrorism. We have increased spending across government on counterterrorism from £1 billion in 2001 to £2 billion today with further increases planned to £3.5 billion in 2011, and the National Security Strategy will ensure that this increased investment is better coordinated and targeted.

We will continue to strengthen our protection against terrorist attack, and our ability to intercept and stop terrorist attacks and networks. We will continue to press for stronger international alliances against terrorism, including disrupting the flow of terrorist finance and violent extremist ideology. We will also help build stability and the rule of law in areas of the world that would otherwise shelter terrorism.

Building democratic and inclusive political systems around the world is vital for fighting global terrorism which is why we will continue to support projects around the world to strengthen civil society and national institutions. In Iraq and Pakistan we are working to support the establishment of an independent judiciary. And in the Middle East, Central Asia and Afghanistan we are working to promote an independent media through our support for the BBC World Service's new BBC Arabic channel.

Global terrorism can only be fought by using a range of resources from military and economic to cultural. We will continue to use the power of ideas and shared values to isolate extremism and win the battle of hearts and minds, but recognise that in extreme cases the hard power of military force is necessary in the fight against terrorism. Confronting the terrorist threat is only possible through cooperation with international partners which is why we will fight for strengthened international institutions, capable of deploying both hard and soft power.

The Crime, Justice, Citizenship and Equalities consultation document covers issues concerning the domestic response to terrorism

The Middle East

"Unite supports a two-state solution and wants to see a peaceful solution for the sake of all the people in the region." Unite

Achieving peace and stability in the Middle East is central to tackling many of the global security threats that we face and resolving the situation in Israel and Palestine remains the most important element. Since 1967 a two-state solution, a viable Palestine alongside a secure Israel, has been the only way to establish both justice for the Palestinians and security for Israel.

The 2007 Annapolis peace conference and the subsequent revival of final status negotiations has helped advance dialogue and build momentum to finding a two-state solution. The commitment to finding a solution thorough the Quartet (US, UN, EU, and Russia) Roadmap is a positive step forward and we will continue to work towards lasting peace in the Middle East.

We will also lead efforts to achieve economic development in the Middle East through our pledge of £243 million in aid, linked to political progress between 2008 and 2011. We will also support progress through development initiatives, supporting democratic institutions and building civil society. It is clear that the need for vision and leadership by all parties has never been greater.

Iraq and Afghanistan

British troops are currently on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, putting their lives at risk to support democratically elected governments. The Labour party is immensely grateful to these men and women.

In Iraq we are well down the path of handing over responsibility to its own security forces under the control of its democratically elected government. We continue to have a role in training and mentoring the security forces, and in maintaining 'overwatch', and we will continue to assess the situation and the British contribution and requirement for troops in Iraq based on military advice. It is crucial that progress in security and governance are matched with economic regeneration and political progress, and we are working hard in both these areas. Since 2003 we have committed £147 million in humanitarian assistance for Iraq as a crucial part of post-conflict reconstruction, and we continue to support the political process, including national reconciliation, and the economic regeneration of Basra. We will continue to meet our obligations to the Iraqi government and people and provide the necessary military, diplomatic and development resources to help them build peace and stability.

In Afghanistan we will continue to meet our international obligations to the UN and to the democratically elected Afghan Government and people, playing a leading role in a multinational mission, with strong local support, to stabilise the country through improved security, political unity, and economic development. In December 2007 we announced an updated, long-term plan for security, political, social and economic development. This plan emphasised greater integration between the military and civilian effort, closer partnership with the Afghan Government and security forces, and more equitable burden-sharing across the international community. Between 2009 and 2012 we will provide £450 million in development and stabilisation assistance.

Supporting human rights

"Human Rights are not only a set of standards, which should not be violated, they provide the international community with a set of tools to prevent abuses from occurring and can empower people to achieve progressive change." Amnesty International

Labour is committed to promoting human rights abroad, recognising that human rights should provide the basic rules for a world in which we can all live in peace and dignity. Over the last decade, concern for human rights has moved from the margins to the mainstream. Internationally the establishment of the International Criminal Court and the arrest of highprofile human rights abusers including Slobodan Milosevic were major steps forward for international justice. This shift in attitudes highlights that human rights can no longer be treated as a discrete area of foreign policy. We will ensure that it is central to our broader foreign policy goals including eliminating poverty, supporting women and fighting terrorism and violent extremism.

There has been a welcome growth in the number of countries with democratic political systems and a respect for human rights. However the continued existence of authoritarian states in many regions of the world shows there is a real need to continue the fight against human rights abuses. As the people of Burma and Zimbabwe have shown the desire for a life lived at liberty extends to all people in all parts of the world.

We will ensure that the Labour government's work supports the brave campaigners, trade unionists, workers and journalists around the world who have often experienced immense suffering in their determination to highlight human rights abuses. The annual Human Rights Report that Labour launched in 1998 is one way to do this and is proof of our moral commitment in this area.

We must not be afraid of using the power of military intervention where minority rights will otherwise be abused and will work to forge a stronger international consensus on when and how to intervene. However, we will always strive for the widest possible international support for any military intervention. We recognise that military victories never provide solutions but can provide the space for economic and political solutions to be found.

We will also ensure that fighting terrorism is consistent with our long-standing commitment to human rights by ensuring that we are never complicit in torture or rendition to torture.

Organised transnational crime

Crime cuts across national borders making a cohesive international and European response vital. Organised international crime and the trafficking of drugs and people threaten lives and communities, and undermine good governance, stability and development around the world. We will continue to strengthen our own approach, through the Serious Organised Crime Agency, and will strengthen international institutions including Europol and Eurojust. Labour will also continue campaigning against modern day slavery including forced labour, people trafficking and child labour. We have signed the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Human Trafficking and will ratify it soon.

The Crime Justice Citizenship and Equalities document also covers aspects of organised crime.

Controlling arms and nuclear proliferation

"Saferworld welcomes the efforts made by the UK Government so far in tightening domestic legislation on arms exports and acknowledges its leadership in pushing for an International Arms Trade Treaty." Saferworld

Agreeing an international treaty to prevent the irresponsible international trade in arms is essential to international stability and reducing conflict. Britain has led the way in calls for an International Arms Trade Treaty to deal with conventional arms exports and will continue to press ahead on this issue. The government is also committed to securing an international instrument to ban cluster munitions which have a devastating effect on civilians across the world.

We will continue to press for a European Union common position making the EU's Code of Conduct on Arms Sales legally binding. This will ensure everyone else is abiding by rules that we already enforce.

As well as controlling conventional arms we recognise the serious threat that nuclear proliferation represents for international security. We are committed to disarmament but acknowledge that this can only be done safely on a multilateral basis through working with the other recognised nuclear powers. The Labour Government has significantly reduced its nuclear warheads to under half the levels planned in 1997, and will encourage other countries to do the same. We will lead the way on nuclear weapons control and reduction, working for a more robust implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in order to ultimately free the world from nuclear weapons.

Labour recognises that the renewal of Britain's independent nuclear deterrent and the decision to continue supporting US missile defence from related UK facilities have been controversial. A wide-ranging debate was held within and outside the party on the renewal of our nuclear deterrent, providing an opportunity for full debate before Parliament voted in favour of renewal. Renewing the independent nuclear deterrent and continuing to allow the US to use UK facilities as a relay station for satellite data are consistent with the government's commitment to Britain's national security and the safety of its citizens.

Flexible, robust and balanced Armed Forces

We recognise the crucial role that our Armed Forces play in protecting Britain but also in helping to promote peace and uphold human rights around the world. We do not at present face a threat of traditional inter-state conflict but have to deal with new global security challenges, from international terrorism to fragile states and regional tensions and conflicts with global repercussions. It is therefore essential that we retain flexible, strong and balanced Armed Forces, fully equipped to meet these challenges, including building our expertise in post-conflict stabilisation and reconstruction. In order 5 to do this we will continue to increase defence spending in real terms, by £7.7 billion by 2011.

We take the protection of our Armed Forces very seriously. As a result of Labour's investment our service personnel have never been better equipped. Over the last three years we have delivered equipment valued at more than £18 billion to the Armed Forces.

Our reservists have already made important contributions in our operations abroad and possess valuable skills which are in high demand in post-conflict situations. We will publish a review to examine how we can best use these skills in our operations abroad and to ensure 15 that our reserve forces continue to play a vital role in the defence of the UK.

Supporting our Armed Forces and their families

Our Armed Forces are the best in the world and we should pay tribute to their dedication and bravery. They are risking their lives for us daily and supporting them and their families must be a priority. In the last two years we have introduced a new tax free bonus, funded out of the Reserve and paid equally to all those serving on operations overseas, worth almost £400 a month; a council tax discount for those on operations; and for all service personnel, one of the highest pay rises in the public sector this year following on from last years 9 per cent pay rise for the lowest paid private soldiers.

We continue to improve their accommodation, spending over £8 billion in the next 10 years. We continue to invest in making sure their medical care, both at home and abroad, is world leading, building on the creation of the military managed ward at Selly Oak hospital Birmingham; and to improve their mental health care provision. Priority NHS treatment will be extended to all veterans in the UK whose condition is considered to be attributable to their service. We will publish a cross government Command Paper outlining further improved measures for the welfare and support of our forces and their families.

Conflict prevention and resolution

The changed nature of warfare means that increasingly civilians are its victims, whether of direct violence or of the displacement and disruption to their livelihoods. Preventing conflict cannot be done by the UK alone and we will work with other international partners and through strengthened international institutions to create a more peaceful world.

We will work across government to develop a comprehensive response to conflict prevention and reconstruction and will build on the success of the Stabilisation Unit, jointly owned by the Department for International Department, the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defence, in supporting countries emerging from violent conflict. In order to create global stability we will offer £600 million towards conflict prevention, resolution and stabilisation work around the world.

The UK has made important interventions in conflicts in many parts of the world from the Balkans to Sierra Leone but we will work harder to prevent conflicts breaking out in the first place through addressing its root causes, developing early warning mechanisms and recognising the fundamental links between stability and development

We will continue to push for effective multilateral mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution through UN reform and through building the capacity of regional organisations. We will also create a 1000 strong UK standby international civilian capacity - including police, emergency services professionals and judges - to assist failing states and help in conflict reconstruction and will press other nations to support this.

Managing migration

We live in an age of mobility, where globalisation has greatly increased the number of people moving around the world. We will continue welcoming those who bring essential skills to the UK economy and maintain our commitment to protecting those genuinely fleeing from persecution. However, there are also new challenges posed by international population movements and we will work to prevent illegal immigration through international, and importantly, European cooperation. We will also work to ensure successful integration into local communities.

Migration can also be a tool for development. In many developing countries the money sent by people working in the UK back to families and friends in other countries is the second largest inflow into the economy, behind Foreign Direct Investment. However the benefits it can bring need to be balanced with the potential challenges; migration is in some instances blamed for the loss of highly skilled people such as doctors and nurses. We are committed to eliminating the exploitation of all workers, including migrant workers, and we will work with trade unions and other organisations to do so.

The Crime Justice Citizenship and Equalities document covers issues concerning the domestic response to migration and cohesion.

Engaging in Europe

In Europe, Britain is a strong voice acting to secure the security and prosperity of its citizens. Through our economic strength, international leadership on issues such as development, trade and climate change, as well as support for EU enlargement, we continue to exercise strong influence within the European Union. Our dedicated engagement in the EU means that we can ensure that British citizens continue to get the best deal from our EU membership whilst tackling global issues to ensure a fairer world for all.

We recognise that often the message we send on Europe is not positive or strong enough. Being part of the European Union is vital for British jobs and trade and brings many other benefits allowing British people to live, work study and retire in other European countries. Our membership of the European Union has also meant strengthened working rights, cleaner beaches, cheaper travel and communication costs for British people. In the run-up to the 2009 European elections we will make clear positive arguments for our membership of the EU by communicating these numerous and tangible benefits to the British people.

After the Lisbon Treaty

We have seen a renewed focus on Europe with the discussions surrounding the Lisbon Treaty. The Treaty will introduce a series of sensible institutional changes to help make the EU of 27 member states work more effectively and ensure tackling global poverty and climate change are at the heart of the EU's agenda. With the ratification process having cleared the Commons and now progressing through the Lords it is time to shift Europe's focus beyond institutional change to the issues that really matter to people and their lives.

We will ensure that the EU works effectively by ensuring greater transparency in the budgetary process and by rebalancing spending to meet the challenges of a modern global economy. We will argue for the next European budget to give greater priority to new challenges, particularly sustainable energy and adaptation. We will also continue to press 30 for more radical reform of the Common Agriculture Policy to ensure a better deal for developing countries.

The Creating Sustainable Communities document covers the Common Agricultural Policy

Economic reform

"Usdaw agrees that our interests as a nation lie in being an active member of the European Union, helping define its priorities and enhance the economic opportunities that it provides." Usdaw

The European Union is vital for the success of business in the UK and any isolation of Britain in Europe would have dire consequences for our economic strength. Our relationship with the rest of Europe accounts for nearly 60 per cent of our trade and 3.5 million jobs depend upon it. Our membership of the EU has meant low prices for British consumers in many areas from phone calls to travel and the Single Market already provides British business with access to a market of nearly 500 million people.

We will continue to work to deliver an effective single market - in particular in energy, telecoms and services - to provide greater benefits to European consumers.

The agreement of the Lisbon agenda in 2000 was a historic step to achieving the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, founded on sustainable economic growth and greater cohesion. As we approach the second cycle of the Lisbon agenda we will ensure that it continues to meet the needs of EU citizens by promoting free trade, increasing jobs, developing skills and investing in knowledge, innovation, research and development.

The single market is also a social structure and depends on an active and responsible labour market where people are given the skills they need to compete in the global economy. We have already improved workers rights through EU legislation and our commitment to the Social Chapter. Labour in government should recognise concerns about employment security and workers rights whilst at the same time ensuring the EU retains a flexible and competitive labour market. We support EU action, where appropriate, to improve fairness in the workplace, and to maintain our commitment to the Social Chapter.

The Prosperity and Work policy document covers employment issues.

Environmental Union

Climate change knows no borders and can only be tackled through concerted international action. Britain and the EU lead the world on climate change. The EU emissions trading scheme is already the biggest environment policy in the world and at the 2008 Spring Council the EU agreed a further package of measures to tackle climate change and ensure energy security for its citizens including a 20 per cent emissions cut in greenhouse gases by 2020. We will build on this success by developing low carbon technologies across the EU, extending the EU emission trading scheme to other sectors of our economy and introducing initiatives to encourage greener consumer consumption such as the proposed cut in VAT on environmentally-friendly domestic goods. The move towards a single energy market which the Lisbon Treaty will facilitate is also an important step forward in ensuring that our energy needs are met.

Enlargement

One of the key strengths of the EU has been its enlargement to 27 states welcoming in a new era of stability and prosperity across the EU. We will ensure that the EU retains its power to stimulate effective democratic reform. As the countries of the Western Balkans have shown the prospect of EU membership encourages newly democratic regimes to bolster the rule of law and to ensure greater transparency and accountability. We need to keep the door open to our Eastern neighbours and others further afield and continue to deepen our ties with them.

Britain has enjoyed great prestige as a champion of EU enlargement and we will continue to support the enlargement of the EU to include Croatia and Turkey, and other accession states where suitable, as long as the appropriate standards, significantly human rights obligations, are met. The UK is also in favour of a reunited Cyprus and we should work with both parties to promote a swift unification allowing full EU integration.

Tackling global challenges

"Terrorism, drug trafficking, climate change and migration are all transnational concerns that can only be confronted by working in close association with the UK's European partners." Chichester CLP, Selsey branch

For a long time the EU was focused on securing peace and democracy within its own borders however the challenges we face now are different. Europe needs to look outwards to the threats beyond its borders that threaten security and prosperity within its borders from climate change and religious extremism to nuclear proliferation. The EU must ensure that its external policies contribute to greater fairness, democracy and development around the world. In an increasingly interdependent world many of the major challenges we face can only be solved by working with and through the European Union.

The European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) has worked well in the missions in which it has so far operated, notably a recent deployment in Kosovo. The situation in Kosovo has also demonstrated the strength of the EU in ensuring stability through its commitment to aiding Kosovo's economic and political development. However we recognise the limited resources and capabilities of the ESDP and will encourage all member states to give greater support. Whilst NATO will remain the cornerstone of our defence policy, and foreign policy must remain a matter for national government, the development of the ESDP and its partnership with other regional forces such as the African Union will contribute to more effective conflict resolution and peacekeeping.

We believe Europe's voice in the world will be strengthened by developing the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy. This means that when EU member states unanimously agree on a foreign policy issue we can speak and act together, with the authority of 27 countries (and the world's biggest single market) behind us. To help, there will be an EU External Action Service - bringing together existing resources from European institutions and coordinating diplomats from the UK and other EU countries. We'll make sure that the UK is strongly represented in this organisation whilst maintaining our independent foreign policy - where we do not agree with our European partners, the UK can still pursue its own foreign policy. We will work with our European partners, safe in the knowledge that there is no threat to the UK's seat on the UN Security Council.

The European Union should and can be a model power in the world, building on its leading position on international development, climate change and economic reform to help spread peace and democracy world-wide. Britain outside Europe would be poorer, less influential and less secure which is why we will continue to be at its heart.