Working internationally to tackle global problems
The current financial downturn has demonstrated more vividly than ever before the interconnected nature of the world in which we live. In today’s world isolation is not an option. We can only tackle the financial crisis and other new global challenges we face - from climate change to nuclear proliferation - by fully engaging with our partners in Europe and across the world.
Whilst globalisation has presented us with new challenges it has also opened up a wealth of opportunity. Today more people than ever before live free from oppression and disease. More people have the chance to go to school and see a doctor and more people live in peace. But we know there is more to be done. By working with leaders around the world to find global solutions to global problems we can build on these opportunities and create a fairer world for all.
Since 1997 fighting world poverty and increasing peace and security have been priorities for Labour. In the current economic climate we will not waiver in our commitment to helping the world's poorest people but will build on our global leadership to help developing countries work their way out of poverty. In order to do so, we must look beyond governments and build relationships with a wide range of groups, creating a truly global society where the concerns of the poorest are the concerns of us all.
International engagement is vital for securing peace, freedom and democracy. By helping to build stability in insecure areas of the world, such as the Middle East and Afghanistan, we will not only improve the lives of thousands of people but will also make Britain's streets safer.
To achieve our goals of greater security and prosperity worldwide we need new and renewed international institutions. We will continue to call for organisations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, to be reformed so they better reflect the world we live in and are able to tackle the global challenges we face.
The Tories would choose isolation, but this can never be a real solution. Labour knows that by reaching out beyond our borders and ensuring our role in the world is guided by our values and Britain's national interest we can create a fairer society for all.
Making the EU work for Britain
The current economic downturn means that our active membership of the European Union is more important than ever for Britain's prosperity. More than half of all our trade is with the rest of Europe and millions of jobs depend on it. That is why we will continue working hard in Europe to ensure that the EU delivers in the areas that matter to British people including jobs and prosperity, climate change and fighting crime.
As well as ensuring the EU contributes to stability and peace worldwide, Labour uses its strong voice to ensure that the EU is delivering for people in Britain. By playing an active, leading role in Europe we have helped to ensure a better deal for people across Britain securing measures which include cheaper travel and phone calls to increased holiday leave and cleaner beaches.