Britain’s Position in the World by 2007 (AQA A-Level History): Revision Notes
Britain's Position in the World by 2007
Britain's international strategy at the end of New Labour's era
By 2007, British foreign policy had undergone substantial transformation. From the 1990s onwards, successive UK governments established new priorities that shaped Britain's engagement with the world. These included addressing climate change, expanding overseas aid budgets, providing humanitarian relief, championing the establishment of the International Criminal Court, advocating debt cancellation for poorer nations, and deploying military forces in conflict zones and peacekeeping operations. This approach aimed to promote what officials described as universal values while reinforcing the NATO alliance.
This period marked a significant shift in how Britain engaged with global challenges, moving from traditional diplomatic and economic instruments to a more activist and interventionist approach that combined humanitarian concerns with strategic interests.
Defining features of Blair's foreign policy
Historian Jon Lunn, writing in British Foreign Policy since 1997, identified three defining characteristics of Tony Blair's decade in power:
- Interventionism represented a new departure in British foreign policy. Blair adopted an activist stance that favoured military action to address international crises and humanitarian emergencies. This marked a departure from traditional caution regarding overseas military commitments.
- The Anglo-American alliance remained central to Blair's international strategy. The close relationship with the United States, often termed the 'special relationship', shaped British decision-making throughout this period and influenced Britain's role in global affairs.
- European engagement formed the third pillar. Blair sought to position Britain at the centre of European affairs, attempting to bridge Britain's historical ambivalence towards deeper European integration with the practical benefits of EU membership.
According to Lunn, the interventionist approach represented the most novel element of these three strands. Whilst Anglo-American relations and Britain's European role had dominated post-1945 foreign policy debates, the willingness to intervene militarily on humanitarian or democratic grounds marked a genuine innovation in British strategic thinking.
The transition from Blair to Brown
Tony Blair delivered his final address as prime minister and Labour leader on 24 November 2006 at the Scottish Labour Party conference. Gordon Brown, then serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer, publicly declared his intention to seek the Labour leadership on 11 May 2007. Most political observers expected Brown to succeed Blair. John McDonnell, a left-wing Labour MP, became the only other politician to formally contest the leadership, launching his campaign on 14 July 2006.
Blair announced his resignation plans on 2 May 2007, exactly ten years after Labour's 1997 election victory. He confirmed his departure would occur within weeks and endorsed Brown's candidacy. Downing Street clarified on 3 May that Blair would reveal his precise departure date on 10 May. The Labour Party would then select a new leader over the following 48 days.
The Leadership Contest Results:
When nominations closed on 17 May 2007, the outcome demonstrated Brown's overwhelming support within the Parliamentary Labour Party:
- Gordon Brown: 313 nominations
- John McDonnell: 29 nominations
This decisive margin meant Brown faced no realistic challenge to his succession.
The result was formally announced and implemented on 24 June 2007, following Blair's resignation as prime minister on 27 June. That same day, the Queen invited Gordon Brown to form a government, marking the formal transition of power.
Britain's international standing in 2007
By 2007, Britain's international position reflected both continuity and change. The country maintained its long-standing commitments to NATO and the US alliance whilst attempting to deepen European ties. The interventionist foreign policy pursued under Blair had involved Britain in major military operations, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan, which generated substantial domestic controversy and international debate about Britain's role.
The Iraq War, which began in 2003, had become increasingly controversial by 2007. Public opinion had turned against the conflict, and questions about the justification for military action continued to dominate domestic political debate. This controversy would significantly shape perceptions of Blair's legacy.
Nevertheless, Britain continued to position itself as a bridge between America and Europe, promoting international development, environmental cooperation, and multilateral institutions. The transition to Gordon Brown's leadership raised questions about whether these foreign policy priorities would continue or evolve under new leadership.
Key Points to Remember:
- British foreign policy by 2007 emphasised climate action, increased aid spending, debt relief, military intervention, and support for international institutions like the ICC.
- Blair's foreign policy rested on three foundations: activist interventionism (the newest element), maintaining the close US relationship, and positioning Britain centrally within Europe.
- Gordon Brown decisively won the 2007 Labour leadership contest with 313 nominations against McDonnell's 29, becoming prime minister on 27 June 2007.
- The transition from Blair to Brown marked a potential turning point in British foreign policy after a decade of controversial military interventions.