Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

UK wants to grow ties with India ‘for Network of Liberty’

UK wants to grow ties with India ‘for Network of Liberty’

BRITAIN wants to keep growing its ties with India as part of efforts to work more closely with allies to create a so-called Network of Liberty, foreign secretary Liz Truss said.

She used her keynote address at the Lord Mayor's Easter banquet in London on Wednesday (27) to issue a stark warning to Russia and China, saying the UK prioritises "security and respect for sovereignty over short-term economic gain".

On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Truss declared that victory for Ukraine was now a "strategic imperative" for the West.

"Our prosperity and security must be built on a network of strong partnerships. This is what I have described as the Network of Liberty," the foreign secretary said.

"In a world where malign actors are trying to undermine multilateral institutions, we know that bilateral and plurilateral groups will play a greater role. Partnerships like NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation), the G7 and the Commonwealth are vital,” she said.

"And we want to keep growing our ties with countries like Japan, India and Indonesia. We also should build on the strong core that we have in the G7. During the UK's presidency last year, I was pleased to bring friends like Australia, Korea, India, South Africa and ASEAN to the table,” she added.

Truss laid out the UK government's measures to cut off funding for Russian president Vladimir Putin's “war effort” and also investment ties with Russia, by banning all new outward investment and ending the investor visa.

"We are showing that economic access is no longer a given. It has to be earned. Countries must play by the rules. And that includes China,” she warned.

"Beijing has not condemned Russian aggression or its war crimes. Russian exports to China rose by almost a third in the first quarter of this year… But China is not impervious. By talking about the rise of China as inevitable we are doing China's work for it. In fact, their rise isn't inevitable. They will not continue to rise if they don't play by the rules. China needs trade with the G7. We represent half of the global economy. And we have choices,” she noted.

The foreign secretary said the government of prime minister Boris Johnson was focussed on providing a better offer on development, with investment to low-income countries that comes without “malign strings attached”.

"The fact is that most of the world does respect sovereignty. It is only a few pariahs and outliers that don't," said Truss.

"So we are working more closely with allies and friends – old and new. And the same assertive approach that can constrain our rivals, can be a powerful driver of prosperity and security. That's why we're building new trade links, including working on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like India and Indonesia,” she said.

Truss was speaking as negotiators from the UK and India are meeting in New Delhi for the third round of talks towards a UK-India FTA, the deadline for which has been set as Diwali in October by Johnson during his visit to India last week.

(PTI)

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less