Global Britain: Building Lasting Peace and Security in Fragile States

On Monday 10th December, the Coalition for Global Prosperity were delighted to co-host Rory Stewart MP (Minister of State for Justice), Lieutenant General (retd) Philip Jones CB CBE DL, Major General Ralph Wooddisse CBE MC (Assistant Chief of the General Staff) and Kate Ewart-Biggs (British Council) for a panel debate in parliament.

 In partnership with the British Council, this discussion explored Britain’s leading role in building lasting peace and security in fragile states.

Former Minister for the Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Rory Stewart MP, kicked off the evening’s proceedings. Rory spoke of the importance of finding ‘sweet spots’; countries with historical ties to the UK where our support can provide the greatest possible impact to those in need.

British Council Director of Global Network, Kate Ewart-Biggs, similarly focused on the need to build institutional capability in order to to ensure that progress is sustained and impactful, and for fragile states to develop into prosperous nations.

“The most peaceful and most resilient societies are those with strong social relationships and inclusive and functioning institutions.”

— Kate Ewart-Biggs

We were also pleased to host Major General Ralph Wooddisse, who drew attention to the protracted nature of the majority of these crises, and the need for long-term and well-coordinated commitment.

“Regardless of where we go, persistence matters... We cannot be successful in isolation. Without strong government institutions our efforts will be for nought.”

— Major General Ralph Wooddisse CBE MC

Fellow military representative, retired Lieutenant General Philip Jones agreed with his colleague on the impossibility for ‘quick solutions’ in fragile states, but emphasised the need to invest in prevention as well as cure efforts to avoid states collapsing in the first place.

“British leadership in development ends conflicts before they can start and helps us to achieve lasting peace in fragile states.”

— Lieutenant General (retd) Philip Jones CB CBE DL

Theo Clarke, who chaired the evening’s discussion, brought the evening to a close by praising Britain’s leadership in consolidating peace around the world and helping to create a better, more prosperous world.

“Britain leads in building prosperity overseas. By ending poverty and strengthening fragile states, the UK is tackling the root causes of instability and conflict.”

— Theo Clarke, Coalition for Global Prosperity