National Policy Forum - Your Southeast CLP representatives

Britain in the World
Policy Commission work programme 2007
Draft - this document does not represent Labour Party or government policy.


1. Introduction

The Britain in the World Policy Commission deals with issues relating to foreign policy, defence, international aid and development and is comprised of members and stakeholder groups within the party.

The commission Is responsible for engaging with the party on these policy issues, looking at how we address future challenges we face in these areas and building a dialogue with party stakeholders.

Work Programme 2007

December 2006- Middle East
The Middle East remains an issue of central importance in the UK's foreign policy and of particular interest within the party. At the December meeting of the policy commission, Foreign Office Minister of State Kirn Howells MP will lead a discussion on the current situation and recent developments in the middle East.

New year 2007 - Nuclear deterrent
In December 2006, the government published a white paper on the future of the UK's nuclear deterrent, and has stated that it wishes to encourage a full debate in advance of a vote in parliament on the issue. A special meeting of the policy commission will be held in the new year to discuss the white paper, and Defence Secretary Des Browne MP will brief commission members.

Spring 2007 - Government policy review
The government has set up six policy review working groups which are examining the issues and challenges for government across a range of policy areas, and are due to report around May 2007. Each group is chaired by the Prime Minister and is attended by relevant government ministers. At the March meeting of the policy commission Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett MP will report on the work so far of the Britain and the World working group.

Spring 2007 - International human rights
An issue of particular importance within the party is that of international human rights, a subject which goes to the core of Labour's values in foreign policy. At its May meeting, the policy commission will hold a meeting on international human rights issues, led by Foreign Office Minister with responsibility for human rights lan McCartney MP. Representatives of relevant NGOs/campaigning groups will be invited to give evidence and join the discussion. At this meeting or in a subsequent conference call, the commission will discuss the framework and content of the second-year policy consultation document for the National Policy Forum.

Summer 2007 - National Policy Forum meeting
Following the consultation within the party during the last year, the National Policy Forum will meet in the summer to consider the draft Britain in the World secondyear policy consultation document. The NPF will make recommendations for changes, to be subsequently considered by the Joint Policy Committee and Annual Conference.

July 2007- Europe
One of the three main chapters of the Britain in the World first-year consultation document was concerned with promoting reform and engaging with Europe. At its July meeting, Europe Minister Geoff Hoon MP will lead the policy commission in a discussion on aspects of European policy and immediate challenges for the future of the EU.

September 2007 - Annual Conference policy seminar
A policy seminar at Annual Conference in Bournemouth will be held, enabling those delegates who wish to attend to come and discuss issues of interest with ministers from the Foreign Office, Ministry of Defence and Department for International Development. Notes of the seminar will be recorded as a submission.

November 2007
The subject of the final meeting of the year has been left clear so that it can be decided nearer the time