Introducing the CFCC see here for post.
Melissa Crawshay-Williams explains what the Conservative Foreign & Commonwealth Council does and believes in.
The purpose of the Conservative Foreign & Commonwealth Council is to promote greater understanding among different countries and cultures in a safe, just and prosperous world.
We meet monthly during term-times with a speaker: normally an Ambassador, academic or politician. We have a talk of around 20 minutes followed by a discussion time. We offer refreshments before and after the talk. Our website carries forward dates and information of our events and reports on our speakers. Our membership is diverse with people of all ages.
The highlight of the year is no doubt the Annual Summer Diplomatic Party hosted by our Chairman, Sir Ronald Halstead at his home, when a high proportion of the diplomatic corps turn out; even when the weather is appalling as it was at the last one in July.
Our members are very friendly and knowledgeable and they regard it a pleasure to attend a meeting. There is a recognition of the importance of foreign relations and foreign affairs and - this is by no means a requirement of membership - many have lived abroad or have strong foreign connections;. Full members must be members of a Conservative Association if not they are associate members. Our charge for speaker meetings covers meeting costs. The annual membership of only £10 per year includes free entry to the Diplomatic Reception that is outstandingly good value.
We are closely aligned to Foreign Office aims and priorities including:
Making the world safer from global terrorism and weapons of mass destruction
Reducing the harm to the UK from international crime, including drug trafficking, people smuggling and money laundering
Preventing and resolving conflict through a strong international system
Building an effective and globally competitive EU in a secure neighbourhood
Supporting the UK economy and business through an open and expanding global economy, science and innovation and secure energy supplies
Achieving climate security by promoting a faster transition to a sustainable, low carbon global economy.
Promoting sustainable development and poverty reduction underpinned by human rights, democracy, good governance and protection of the environment
Managing migration and trying to combat illegal immigration
Delivering high-quality support for British nationals abroad, in normal times and in crises
Ensuring the security and good governance of the UK's Overseas Territories
The UK does not shy away from trying to resolve international crises and its foreign policy is less ‘inward-looking’ than it has been so far. The UK should press the EU in this direction, to put a higher priority on its foreign relations the UK must continue to intervene in international crises.
UK foreign policy must recognise the growing interdependency of countries across the world and the ‘reality’ of this world is that the UK cannot ‘opt out’.
Looking to the future – our Chairman is bold about inviting Ambassadors from a range of countries to come and address us. Overall – we are open to suggestions from our members - we look to invite anyone willing to share something meaningful about their country and customs with us for an evening of stimulating discussion.
Join us and find out more, we look forward to hearing from you.