August 31, 2010
William Hague says human rights are key to UK foreign policy
CFCC Patron, Rt Hon William Hague MP, Foreign Secretary:
our ability as a nation to help others rests on real good will, generosity and compassionstrong institutions and the rule of law are the only lasting guarantee of freedoms
The devastating floods in Pakistan have affected more than 20 million people, untold numbers of whom have had their homes and livelihoods obliterated in this unfolding tragedy. In the first 20 days of the charity appeal to help the victims of the floods, 300,000 British people donated £33 million, alongside the £64 million given by Britain as a nation through the Department for International Development.
This outpouring of public support – faster and more generous than some governments around the world – should make us proud. It has shown that our ability as a nation to help others rests on real goodwill, generosity and compassion.
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July 15, 2010
THE RT HON SIR JOHN MAJOR, KG, CH, 13.07.10
On Tuesday, 13th July, 2010, Sir John attended the Conservative Foreign and Commonwealth Council Dinner in London. During the question period which followed Sir John’s speech, he was asked to comment on the new Coalition Government:
“I am wholeheartedly in favour of the Coalition: indeed, on the morning of the election result, when it became clear the Conservatives did not have a majority of their own, I suggested publicly that Liberal-Democrats should be brought into the Cabinet.
The last Labour Government has left the nation in the most wretched state. Our economic problems are severe and it’s more likely that the right decisions will be taken with two Parties working together in the national interest, rather than working alone and being accused of party political self-interest. For me, the sight of a new generation of political leaders working together – each having sacrificed some cherished and long-held ideas – is one of the most attractive political developments for decades.
Having lived through thirteen years of a self-interested, self-absorbed, short-term-fix Labour Government, people seem positively energised and hugely optimistic of what this new Coalition Government might deliver. The foreign policy speech given by William Hague at the beginning of this month, for example, was a masterclass in grown-up thinking, for the long-term benefit of the UK.
It’s in all our interests that they succeed and I – for one – wish them every possible success in their endeavour.”
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July 12, 2010
Annual Diplomatic Summer Party 2010
Sir Ron Halstead, Melissa Crawshay-Williams, Elizabeth Hallett and Dennis Waters: Officers of CFCC.
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May 27, 2010
High Commissioner for Canada 24.05.10
Talk and discussion with HE James R Wright.
Mr Wright assumed his responsibilities as Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 27th August 2006. He speaks English, French and Russian.
To follow is the text of his speech to the CFCC:
Remarks by James R. Wright
Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom
CONSERVATIVE FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH COUNCIL
The Jubilee Room, Westminster Hall, London
Monday, 24 May, 2010
Jo Johnson MP, Sir Ron Halstead, HE James R Wright and Melissa Crawshay-Williams (Photo thanks to Elizabeth Hallett)
It is a great pleasure to be with you today. Let me begin by thanking Sir Ronald Halstead and the Conservative Foreign and Commonwealth Council for this kind invitation. I am always eager for any opportunity to discuss Canada’s foreign policy priorities; not only because it is part of my job as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, but also because I am passionate about my country, and Canada’s role in the world.
First off, a word or two about Canada/UK relations. Our two countries share a deep and enduring partnership, forged in good times and in bad by hundreds of years of shared history, values and tradition. We are united by the cause of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law in both our respective countries and throughout the world. Witness our shoulder-to-shoulder collaboration in Southern Afghanistan. We are partners in the Commonwealth, NATO, the G8 and G20, the UN and many other influential international fora. Our trade and investment relationship is impressive and flourishing.
And I can assure you that PM Harper looks forward to a close and personal working relationship with PM Cameron, who he congratulated on the evening of May 11.
2010 is a big year for Canada. In February and March, we were proud to host the Olympic and Paralympic games in Vancouver and Whistler. Next month, the world’s leaders, including your new Prime Minister, David Cameron, will gather in Canada for the G8 and G20 summits. This will, in fact, be among the very first forays onto the world stage for Prime Minister Cameron. And Her Majesty The Queen makes her 22nd official visit to our country from June 28 to July 6.
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May 17, 2010
New Deputy Chairman for CFCC
The Committee are delighted to announce that Jo Johnson MP has agreed to be our new Deputy Chairman, replacing Jacqui Lait MP who retired at the last Election.
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