The future of UK foreign policy: Sir Malcolm Rifkind

Any debate about British foreign policy must begin by recognising that the UK's role in international affairs differs from that of most other countries in the world. For generations, Britain has maintained a global foreign policy. It has considered its national interests to extend well beyond its own shores, and viewed events overseas as ones that have a direct impact at home. This understanding has been reflected in the UK's approach to the world. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office maintains a wide network of embassies in all of the world's continents. Likewise, the Ministry of Defence retains the military capacity to deploy forces to any part of the globe in support of UN, NATO, or British interests.