Labour must be ready to transform the UK's relationship with the Middle East

Former ambassador Sir William Patey will be co-chair of the new Labour Middle East Council (Alamy)

3 min read31 January

As the Labour Party faces the increasing prospect of governance, a paradigm shift in British foreign policy is imminent. The establishment of the Labour Middle East Council (LMEC) is both timely and critical, aimed at enhancing the Party's understanding of, and engagement with, the region.

Britain's intricate history in the Middle East, though complex and multifaceted, lays the groundwork for understanding the region's dynamics. A future Labour government, acutely aware of past missteps, must be ready to transform this legacy into one of mutual respect and partnership. By learning from history, Labour is well placed to initiate a new era of engagement, shifting away from outdated paradigms to a policy grounded in peace, collaboration, and Labour's proudly internationalist values.

The geopolitical significance of the Middle East is immense. The region is a mosaic of diverse cultures, religions, and political landscapes, each with unique challenges and opportunities. From the delicate sectarian balance in Iraq, the intricate tribal dynamics of Afghanistan, to the evolving social reforms in Saudi Arabia, each country presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Syrian civil war, coupled with issues like Gulf security and Iran's regional ambitions have implications far beyond the region’s borders, impacting Britain’s national security, immigration policies, and the overarching quest for regional stability. These challenges call for informed, principled leadership that can navigate the nuanced realities of the region.

The future of British foreign policy, especially in relation to the Middle East, is more than a matter of international relations—it's a reflection of our global commitments and values. Re-establishing the UK as a leader in global diplomacy and cooperation under Labour is not just a strategic necessity but a moral imperative. In line with Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP's vision of a “Britain reconnected,” this approach recognises the interdependence of nations and the importance of constructive engagement in addressing shared global challenges.

Labour's vision for UK policy towards the Middle East must extend beyond conflict resolution to include partnerships in emerging sectors. Acknowledging the region's strides in technology and climate innovation—exemplified by the UAE's ambitious space endeavours, Saudi’s 2030 Vision, and Morocco's renewable energy projects—is crucial.

The recent COP conferences in Cairo and Dubai also underscore the region's potential in addressing climate change, offering opportunities for collaborative sustainable development. Aligning Labour's commitment to social justice and equality with these progressive projects allows the UK to play a significant role in global challenges, contributing to prosperity both domestically and internationally.

The Labour Middle East Council is dedicated to not only envisioning but actively shaping this future where peace, stability, and prosperity are at the forefront of the UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa. By fostering informed dialogue, nurturing strategic partnerships, and advocating policies rooted in mutual respect and shared progress, we are committed to turning this vision into a tangible reality, reinforcing the UK's role as a dynamic and responsible leader in international relations.

Sir William Patey is Co-chair of the Labour Middle East Council. He joined the Diplomatic Service in 1975 and was British Ambassador to Afghanistan (2010-2012), to Saudi Arabia (2007-2010) to Iraq (2005-2006) and to Sudan (2002-2005), as well as Head of the Middle East Department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from 1999-2002.

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