The Tribune

By PETER YOUNG

Foreign affairs commentators in the UK press seem to be vying with one another to describe the current state of the world in the most extreme terms. Many are talking about unprecedented global tension while others claim, in apocalyptic terms, that the collapse of the world is imminent in the face of widespread and growing conflict that some even fear may have already become uncontrollable and could lead to another world war.

This is particularly stressful for younger people, while those old enough to have experienced – directly or indirectly - the wholesale destruction of the Second World War tend to be more phlegmatic because they cannot imagine anything worse. It was the longest and most violent military conflict in human history which, according to official estimates, caused the death of nearly 15 million servicemen and servicewomen. Untold millions of civilians also lost their lives.

It is the case, of course, that, despite the relative certainties of the subsequent Cold War in which the two major powers accepted that, if they fought each other directly, the outcome would be mutual nuclear annihilation, they nonetheless pursued so-called proxy wars elsewhere, notably in Africa. There was also the lengthy Vietnam war, justified by the claimed imperative need to prevent the spread of communism in the region, and endless conflicts in the Middle East.

Later, the collapse in 1991 of the US’s principal antagonist, the Soviet Union, perversely created a more uncertain world; and today’s wars in Gaza and in Ukraine, with their potential serious repercussions, make that uncertainty even worse.

I record the above to draw attention, close to the time of Commonwealth Day on March 10, to the good news that, amidst so much ongoing conflict in a troubled world, there exists by contrast the Commonwealth of Nations. This is, of course, the famous 56 nation-strong voluntary and peaceful association mainly comprising territories of the former British Empire. These are spread across the globe including in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. They have a combined population of no less than 2.7 billion. On March 10, and for the rest of that month, celebratory events are held in local communities throughout the Commonwealth.

The purpose of this association is to bring people together from around the world to work to promote peace, prosperity and shared values like democracy and human rights through cooperation and development assistance in the full range of a country’s activities. Specifically, work can include, for example, helping countries in areas like small business development, drawing up legislation, advising about good governance and election monitoring.

As for its origins, after the Second World War former British colonies from around the world were grouped together during peacetime in order to cooperate for their mutual benefit. From the beginning, the Commonwealth was an entirely voluntary non-political body. Over the years, it has gradually grown to its current size and without necessarily the membership qualification of being a former British territory. The last four countries to have joined the modern Commonwealth were Mozambique, Rwanda, Gabon and Togo, none of whom has historical ties to the British Empire. The membership constitutes real diversity as its members from so many different countries cooperate in numerous practical ways in the pursuit of common goals and values.

The Commonwealth Secretariat was established in London in 1965 as a central intergovernmental organisation to manage the Commonwealth’s work and the whole membership meets formally every two years at CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) held by rotation in member countries; for example, it was hosted by The Bahamas as long ago as 1985. Such a biennial meeting allows Commonwealth leaders to discuss and collaborate on global challenges and opportunities focusing on issues like economic development, the environment and security.

As is well known, throughout her reign the late Queen Elizabeth was heavily committed to the Commonwealth since she became its head when she acceded to the throne in 1952. Her leadership role and responsibility for nurturing the organization was considered to be hugely influential, and it has now been taken over by King Charles.

An important Commonwealth tradition over the years has been The Queen’s annual message on Commonwealth Day. The King has maintained this tradition and his message this year was one of unity in the current uncertain times of international tension. He emphasised the value of the Commonwealth’s remarkable collection of nations and peoples coming together in a “spirit of support and, crucially, friendship”. He stated that the multicultural diversity of its member countries was a special strength. The body provided an opportunity for learning, establishing fresh contacts and forging new relationships, all of which is particularly important in today’s world.

The conclusion must surely be that the Commonwealth’s ability as a voluntary association of sovereign, independent states has stood the test of time and is as significant today as it has ever been.

Interestingly, King Charles also launched at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day the 18th Baton Relay for the Commonwealth Games which are being held in Glasgow in Scotland in 2026. The Baton will be taken to each participating country in the Games during the 500 days before they begin on July 23 next year. The Games themselves are held in different Commonwealth locations every four years and they serve to unite athletes and communities across the world. Glasgow hosted the Games in 2014 and earned international plaudits for its success in doing so. It is therefore particularly well qualified to host next year’s Games.

What a pleasure it is to be able to write about the Commonwealth in such positive terms. As a body, it tends not to receive much worldwide publicity. I believe one reason for this is because it works so successfully for such huge numbers of people in so many different fields of cooperation – peacefully and without drama - as the voluntary association I have described. It seems that the media, which thrives on drama, discord and, all too often, human misery, does not seem to regard it as particularly newsworthy – and, in the view of many, it is probably all the better for that as it continues its good work for the benefit of so many around the world.

BRITISH PM SHOWS HIS METTLE

Followers of politics in the UK know only too well the poor start made by the Labour government that was voted in at the general election in July last year. Relatively soon after it was installed, the new government was perceived to be so unsatisfactory that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s own position appeared to be under threat after a period of relentless criticism by the opposition Conservatives as well as by the media and others. There is no need to rehearse yet again the reasons for its unpopularity, apart from mentioning the early decision – calamitous in political terms – to cut a winter fuel payment to some pensioners.

Following a period of at least partial rehabilitation, the government has hit the headlines again this past week by its surprise announcement of plans to abolish the National Health Service and to take it under the umbrella of the Department of Health - thus, in the PM’s words, reestablishing democratic control and slashing red tape. This is likely to be a popular move. But it will inevitably mean many job cuts so will not be welcomed by all. Created in 2013, the NHS was intended to give health service policy-makers autonomy and independence from politicians. But it is now being called “an overblown bureaucratic folly”.

Less popular – not least among Labour MPs – will be the insistence by the Chancellor of the Exchequer (minister of finance equivalent) that the government needs “to get a grip” of the welfare budget which most people think will mean cuts in the near future, including reduced benefits for the disabled. This is against a background of an unexpected 0.1 percent shrinkage of the country’s GDP in January which the Chancellor is putting down to “global turbulence” but which critics maintain is a result of the tax hikes in last October’s budget to pave the way for extra spending.

There have been reports of a cabinet split over reform of the country’s welfare system including reductions in spending. This raises questions about Starmer’s own political stance. According to reports, he won the Labour leadership election in 2020 on a left-wing platform, pledging to uphold his predecessor’s economic policies. But, as opposition leader, Starmer appeared to move his party toward the political centre. Some say he is now showing his true colours as a social liberal and fiscal moderate. It will be interesting to watch developments in the coming months as the struggle between the different factions of the Labour Party continues.

Meanwhile, what many think is even more interesting is the prime minister’s most recent performance in relation to Ukraine. After his successful visit to Washington last month, he appears to have stepped up to the plate unhesitatingly in taking on a leadership role for Europe in reaction to Trump’s insistence that the continent should assume greater responsibility for its own defence.

Two weeks ago, the PM called a meeting in London of European and other countries to try to form a “coalition of the willing” to set up security arrangements to oversee and enforce a ceasefire and then a peace agreement in Ukraine. This was followed by his hosting a virtual summit last Saturday of Ukraine’s allies to discuss an immediate ceasefire that would lead to a just and lasting peace and the arrangements for securing this. Efforts to achieve progress brought together partners from the EU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, with backing also from Japan. Meanwhile, officials were trying to persuade the White House to offer a so-called backstop.

In the subsequent press conference, Starmer showed himself to be fluent and well informed and he handled a range of questions with impressive assurance. He said that a coalition of the willing had agreed to move to an “operational phase” of practical planning of strong security arrangements. The next step was for Ukraine’s allies, including military chiefs, to meet again this week to determine the military details of the type of support that will be made available once a ceasefire deal is agreed.

Starmer explained that what was happening internationally was affecting the UK domestically and he was determined to increase the pressure on Putin and weaken his war machine.

All in all, this was an impressive performance, with Starmer showing a new level of gravitas and strength. So, despite the political setbacks at home – including another large demonstration against him in London over the weekend - his reputation as a statesman seems to be growing.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF TRUMP'S REFORMING ZEAL

According to reports, in addition to his wide range of other executive orders, President Trump has successfully placed a ban on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes at federal agencies. But, following intervention by the courts, this looks to be temporary. It appears that his long-term aim is to eradicate DEI initiatives from the government and the private sector. Reportedly, he has already put a stop to activity like ‘unconscious bias’ training in the federal government.

There is no space today to discuss the merits and demerits of DEI. For example, the difference between equity and equality would require a separate debate.

But, from what I have read, many people consider that compulsory intervention on grounds of promoting diversity, particularly in the jobs market, can lead to discrimination in the other direction. Surely what matters in filling job vacancies, for example, is finding the right talent rather than being influenced by a need to fulfill a quota for what might be a particular individual, group or minority. However, most people would surely agree that the principle of having a wide representation of different racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds - with individuals bringing different perspectives and experience to an environment – can, if managed properly, be advantageous to an organisation.