British Diplomacy, “A Shadow of Its Former Self”

Reflecting on his tenure, Wallace recounts numerous instances where the FCO’s actions left Britain’s diplomatic efforts in disarray.

He highlights episodes such as the Sudan crisis, where key embassy personnel were absent during a political upheaval, and the evacuation from Kabul, where swift action was noticeably lacking.

However, Wallace reserves particular criticism for the recent incident involving Western diplomats’ condolence messages following the death of Iran’s president.

He condemns the FCO’s silence in the UN Security Council, accusing it of prioritising political correctness over national interests.

Wallace suggests that the Foreign Office operates on two guiding principles: avoiding offence at all costs, even if it means sacrificing British interests, and prioritising the well-being of its personnel over national concerns.

British Diplomacy in Crisis Image credit: Patrick Blower

Image: The Telegraph.

Wallace lays the blame squarely on the central office of the FCO, which he accuses of stripping diplomats of their autonomy and reducing them to mere conduits for centrally dictated policies.

He criticises the headquarters for micromanaging diplomatic missions and disregarding the expertise of frontline diplomats.

The former Defence Minister cites examples of ambassadors being barred from travelling within the countries they represent, decisions made by individuals who have never set foot in those countries.

Wallace alleges that such directives are handed down by officials like former Permanent Under-Secretary of the FCO, Simon McDonald, who advocated for a policy of extreme caution.

In the final segment of his critique, Wallace underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift within the FCO.

He highlights the reluctance to acknowledge real adversaries facing Britain on the global stage, calling for a bold reimagining of British diplomacy.

Drawing on the adage “nothing ventured, nothing gained,” Wallace advocates for a Foreign Office that embraces risk, strategic engagement, and a willingness to champion British national interests unabashedly.