UK Foreign Policy
Better World, Better Britain
The pace and scope of globalisation means that, across an ever-increasing range of activity, what happens elsewhere in the world directly affects the well-being ofpeople in the UK.
More and more policy objectives have their source in global issues. They are increasingly administered across international boundaries, and support both national and broader interests.
From climate change and financial instability to health pandemics and weapons proliferation, national security and prosperity depends on our work with other nations.
The core priorities shaping our work around the world are:
- the global network of staff and offices at our diplomatic posts
- the essential services we provide for UK nationals and business overseas
- our 4 goals.
We work with partners inside and outside government, at home and abroad, to advance UK foreign policy.
Our global network
Our 260 diplomatic posts in 145 countries are a unique asset that provides a flexible network to support Britain’s interests in a changing world.
They are a platform for the rest of UK government to tackle some of the key issues affecting Britain today. Working on behalf of all government departments, our staff and offices play an important part deliveringtheir objectives abroad.
Our diplomatic posts are active lobbying on, influencing and negotiating a huge range of international issues, while providing services to British citizens and business.
More about FCO’s global network of embassies and diplomatic posts
Our essential services
FCO also provides essential services to UK nationals and business.
Helping UK nationals
We dealt with 2.9 million enquiries, helping nearly 35,000 British nationals in serious distress abroad last year.
In a single country in a single week we can deal with as many as 5 deaths, one rape, 3 arrests, 1 assault, 1 hospitalisation, 1 missing person report and 29 lost passports.
We send rapid deployment teams to help UK nationals caught up in crises around the world.
We provide advice online and by phone to help people making decisions about plans to live and travel abroad.
More on FCO’s advice for UK nationals travelling and living abroad
Supporting UK business
Britain has always been an outward-facing nation with international interests and responsibilities, including overseas trade and investments.
Trade, capital, people, information and culture are becoming more globally mobile. This opens up significant markets for UK goods and services.
Italso speeds up technological progress and creates commercialopportunities in developing countries, which will lift millions ofpeople out of absolute poverty.
The growth of emerging economies opens markets for strong, competitive companies, while consumers benefit from cheaper manufactured goods and services.
FCO works in partnership with other UK government bodies - including UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) - to improve the performance of and opportunities for British businesses operating in our increasingly globalised and competitive world.
Britain’s business-friendly environment, political and economic stability, world-class creative talent and strong research and development base provide an attractive mix to international investors and overseas companies seeking toglobalise.
More on FCO’s support for the UK economy
