Chatham House Proposes UK Foreign Policy Agenda, Advises Divergence from US Positions When Interests Clash
Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, has outlined a proposed foreign policy agenda for the incoming UK government under a hypothetical Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The policy paper suggests that due to stretched fiscal and military resources, the UK should focus on a narrow set of priorities: national security, the economy, and boosting global influence. Regarding Europe, the paper recommends completing technical agreements with the EU, deepening defense and security relationships, and coordinating responses to China's competitive threat to European industries. The institute also advises that while maintaining cordial cooperation with the United States, the UK should be prepared to diverge from US positions if they conflict with UK interests or values. Additionally, the paper highlights the importance of boosting cooperation among 'middle powers' during the UK's G20 presidency next year and calls for clarification on financing the increase of defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP b... 
