British Ambassador Discusses U.K. / U.S. Foreign Policy at The Washington Center

Sir David Manning, British ambassador to the U.S., today addressed more than 400 college students from The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. His address, delivered at the U.S. Department of the Interior, was followed by an engaging question and answer exchange with students. This event marked the second presentation of The Washington Center's fall 2005 Presidential Lecture Series.

After a brief introduction by Ambassador Alan Blinken, chairman of The Washington Center's board of directors, Ambassador Manning spoke to issues of British foreign policy and his country's role in the European Union. Referring to Britain as “a small country in a dangerous neighborhood,” he stressed his belief in the importance of Prime Minister Tony Blair's position that England needs to be “a strong Britain in a strong Europe, which is a strong partner to the United States.”

Manning continued, that in order to be “a strong Britain in a strong Europe,” the U.K. must be effective in implementing its policy ideas during its current presidency over the European Union. The United Kingdom holds its presidency through December 31, 2005. He elaborated that the U.K. hopes to effect change in three different areas of European Union policy: economics, security and defense, and foreign policy. Manning stressed the importance of foreign policy, indicating that developing strong partnerships around the world, especially with the United States, will be crucial to efforts Britain hopes to lead in preventing terrorism and increasing economic growth across the European Union.

Ambassador Manning spoke very strongly about the importance of Britain and the United States strengthening their “transatlantic partnership,” noting that the relationship is especially important as it pertains to such issues as counter-terrorism and counter-proliferation, that are impossible for a single country to tackle on its own. On America 's situation in Iraq, Sir Manning offered his opinion that despite individual views on the subject, “we must come together internationally now to ensure a democratic Iraq.”

Insightful questions were posed to Ambassador Manning by students after his lecture. Kristian Vazquez-Diaz of The University of Puerto Rico-San Juan inquired if Manning thought that the United Nations is losing power and becoming an ineffective organization similar to its predecessor, the League of Nations. Ambassador Manning affirmed the importance of the U.N., as well as the need for fundamental change. He added that U.N. members must be willing to contribute the necessary resources in order to address inherent problems.

Matthew Duncan of Saint Joseph's University asked Manning about Britain 's role in facilitating positive relationships between the U.S. and the rest of Europe. The ambassador responded that Britain should try to avoid being in the middle of such discussions, but that all parties involved should not mistake dislike of American policy for dislike of American people.

Ambassador Manning's lecture presented the students at The Washington Center with a great opportunity to interact with a leader who is involved with current foreign policy in both Europe and the United States. The quality of the students' questions demonstrated their strong awareness and understanding of many current international issues.

The ambassador began his foreign service career in 1972, when he joined the British government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He has served in embassies across the globe, including in such countries as France, Poland, India, and the former USSR. Manning was appointed as Britain 's ambassador to Israel in 1995 and served in that position until 1998. In 2000, he was knighted into The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, a British order of chivalry reserved for those who have distinguished themselves through foreign service. He served as senior foreign policy advisor to Prime Minister Tony Blair from 2000-2003, and was appointed to his current post as British ambassador to the United States in 2003.

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is an independent, nonprofit educational organization founded in 1975. Its mission is to prepare college and university students for civic leadership through experiential education. In this way, The Washington Center seeks to promote future leadership for the public, private and nonprofit sectors of society. It has served more than 34,000 students from over 1,000 colleges and universities. Visit our website

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