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It’s not hard for analysts or journalists to dial-an-EU diplomat following David Frost’s resignation as Brexit Secretary, and hear them say something “not very complimentary” (if we’re being polite..). Lord Frost’s ‘hardball’ manner was NOT appreciated in Brussels, but /1
It was recognised as a negotiating tactic. It would now be a mistake, to assume his departure or his replacement by Liz Truss will have a massive impact on post-Brexit relations with EU. Mistrust in the UK government will likely remain, long after Lord Frost leaves. And why? /2
Because key EU leaders, like Angela Merkel (+ her successor Olaf Scholz), France’s Emmanuel Macron and Netherlands’ Mark Rutte, say they believe successive UK prime ministers from David Cameron, to Theresa May, to Boris Johnson, were dishonest with them. Something the UK denies/3
#Frost The Frost speech doesn’t return UK foreign policy to it’s pre-EC stance, it introduces an alien element that would be unrecognisable to Pitt, Castlereagh, Palmerston, Disraeli, or a Balfour.
All the great figures shaping our foreign policy saw the need for a “balance of powers”, the “comity of nations”, created through alliances and crafted at Congresses in Vienna, Berlin & Versailles.
It was a constant work-in-progress, ultimately failing in 1914
It was a constant work-in-progress, ultimately failing in 1914
The pursuit of naked self interest, “red in tooth & claw”, was seen as Teutonic, and the work of Bismarck.
It led to European wars in 1866 & 1870, and laid the foundation to national rivalries that fuelled the descent into war and chaos of the 20th century.
It led to European wars in 1866 & 1870, and laid the foundation to national rivalries that fuelled the descent into war and chaos of the 20th century.
