For the first time in decades our diplomacy is being extended not reduced- British Foreign Secretary

Yesterday, the Foreign Secretary announced to Parliament a new strategic shift for the FCO’s overseas network that will extend the FCO’s global reach and strengthen its influence with the 21st century’s rising powers. 

This means increasing the FCO’s presence in the major emerging powers such as China and India. We will have 80 more staff in the biggest and fastest growing cities and regions of these countries.  There will be a substantial expansion of our diplomatic strengthen in Brazil, Turkey, Mexico and Indonesia as well as additional diplomatic staff in a host of other countries. 

The FCO will open five new Embassies in El Salvador, Kyrgyzstan, South Sudan and, when local conditions permit, in Madagascar and Somalia. The Foreign Secretary has been clear that the FCO will reject ‘strategic shrinkage’ and we will retain all existing 140 Embassies and High Commissions around the world.

The Foreign Secretary said: “We will embark on a substantial reinvigoration of the diplomatic network to make it ready for the 21st century; to expand our connections with the emerging powers of the world, and to signal that where Britain was retreating it is now advancing.

“The case for a strengthened diplomatic network is utterly compelling. The only way to increase our national prosperity and secure our growth for our economy is through trade, and our Embassies play a vital role in supporting British business.

“Our decisions mean that our reach when British companies need assistance or British nationals are in danger goes further and is stronger.

“That is why the maintenance, extension and strengthening of our global diplomatic network is a central objective of this government and will be a priority for the use of FCO funds over the coming years.”

The network shift will in part be funded by reductions in staffing elsewhere, including in Europe, with the planned withdrawal of some diplomatic staff from European subordinate posts and finding new ways to deliver consular and trade functions in such locations.  There will also be £100 million per year of administrative savings by the end of the Parliament.