King’s Speech 2024: Foreign affairs and international development

The Labour Party set out its approach to foreign affairs and international development in a chapter of its general election manifesto entitled ‘Britain reconnected’.

The chapter set out Labour’s ambition to “reconnect with allies and forge new partnerships to deliver security and prosperity at home and abroad”. It argued that a “strong and connected Britain” was a necessary response to a “more volatile and insecure” world, exemplified by war having returned to Europe, violence in the Middle East, and geopolitical tensions exacerbated by rapid technological change and a changing climate. David Lammy, the new foreign secretary, reiterated that this ambition would inform the new Labour government’s approach to foreign affairs following his appointment.

‘Britain reconnected’ was the theme of a speech delivered by Mr Lammy at an event hosted by the foreign affairs think tank Chatham House in January 2023. Mr Lammy later expanded on this policy approach in Parliament, in the press and in further speeches, including one delivered at the Institute for Government in May 2024.

The Library’s briefings for the King’s Speech draw on the Labour Party’s manifesto and other material in the public domain. They have been written in advance of the 2024 King’s Speech to help members of the House of Lords prepare for the debate on the speech. They do not constitute official information about the government’s intentions or provide a complete list of bills to be announced.