Whether the new British Labour Party government headed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown will seek to distance itself from the policies of U.S. President George Bush remains uncertain. So far, however, Brown seems to be resisting calls for significant change to Britain's core foreign policies, despite a political atmosphere that is conducive to such a break. Many British people disapprove of recent U.S. policies regarding Iraq, climate change, and other issues. Moving away from Washington also would allow Brown to differentiate himself from his predecessor, Tony Blair, underscoring his authority and credentials. Several recent statements by newly appointed members of the Brown government would seem to confirm expectations of a possible turning away from the United States. Douglas Alexander, the new Secretary for International Development, said in a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington that solving international problems requires words and deeds that are "internationalist not isolationist; multilateralist not unilateralist; active not passive; and driven by core values consistently applied, not special interests." Alexander is a close personal friend of the prime minister and is also general election coordinator for the Labour Party.
Is Britain Turning Away From Washington?
