Windsor Castle
July 2023
In July 2023, CGP hosted our cohort of Future Leaders at St George’s House, Windsor Castle for a two-day policy retreat. The candidates heard from experts in the fields of defence, security, diplomacy and development to learn more about foreign affairs and the role international development plays in the UK’s foreign policy.
UK Foreign Policy Trends and Themes
Sir Mark Lyall-Grant, former Permanent Representative of the UK to the UN, spoke with Xenia Wicketts about his distinguished diplomatic career, the biggest foreign policy challenges facing the UK, the difficulty of defining global values, girls’ education and lots more.
Britain in the World: Making the Case
Jess Cunniffe MBE, former speechwriter at 10 Downing Street, shared her insights on what people think about foreign affairs, the words that work when talking about it, and how to put those things into practice with the help of some door-knocking scenarios.
The Future of Africa
Dominic McVey MBE sat down with Professor Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia, to discuss development progress in Africa, Namibia’s struggle for independence, opportunities for further UK economic collaboration, and the need for meaningful partnerships with African countries.
Speech from former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service
Former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and former British Permanent Representative to the United Nations gave an overview of the current global security landscape and reflected on the changing nature of geopolitical risks.
What’s it like to be an MP?
Sir Stephen O’Brien KBE, former MP, Minister and UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, spoke with CGP’s Chief Executive, Ryan Henson, for an ‘In Conversation’ and Q&A that covered everything from the transition from MP to Minister, balancing time between your constituency and Westminster, and what it’s like being in Government vs. Opposition.
Geopolitical Risks
Sir David Omand, security, defence and intelligence expert and former Director of GCHQ, shed some light on external and internal drivers of geopolitical risk, appropriate responses to different types of crises, methods of gathering intelligence, and our fragmentary knowledge of the external world.
Networking with NGO Representatives
The Future Leaders had the opportunity to speak to representatives from the International Rescue Committee, CAFOD, the ONE Campaign, Oxfam and Rotary International to learn more about the importance of UK Aid and how exactly INGOs administer it.
Climate Change and International Security
Lt Gen Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE, former Chief of Defence People and leader of the MOD’s review into climate change policy, and Julia Frifield, former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, explored the implications of climate change through the lens of national security and defence capabilities.
China 101
China expert Professor Rana Mitter OBE (St Cross College, University of Oxford) spoke about the influence of China in geopolitics, including the “China DNA” model, China’s geopolitical role, and why it’s beginning to “slip” even as it continues to gain momentum on the world stage.