Brown to set out foreign policy agenda
Gordon Brown is to address the Lord Mayor’s Banquet at the Guildhall tonight in a speech traditionally used by prime ministers to set out their foreign policy.
The PM is expected to touch on the unrest in Pakistan, but the speech is to be dominated by the UK’s relationships with the EU and US.
After French president Nicolas Sarkozy met with a standing ovation speaking to Congress stating, “I want to be your friend, your ally and your partner,” Mr Brown will outline how the UK is the US’s best buddy this side of the Atlantic.
Mr Brown is expected to outline how America remains Britain’s most important ally.
Yesterday the PM told Sky News: “America is our most important ally, it will always be because of the values we share with America, and so it is central to how we conduct our foreign policy.
“The great change that is taking place, that I think is to the advantage of everyone, is that France and Germany and the EU are also moving more closely with America. And I think that’s to the benefit of Britain, it’s to the benefit of the world.”
The speech is also due to touch on the UK’s other international commitments, being a member the EU, Nato and the Commonwealth.
Mr Brown has previously addressed the City at Mansion House as chancellor, but this is his first opportunity to outline foreign policy as prime minister.
Tonight Mr Brown will break with his refusal to follow the white tie dress code for Lord Mayor of London events, previous eschewing formality as chancellor and opting for a lounge suit.
The Telegraph reports Mr Brown has bought a £3,000 bespoke suit from Saville Row tailor Gieves & Hawkes, which he has already worn at the Buckingham Palace banquet in honour of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.
