CGP were delighted to partner with Mines Advisory Group (MAG) for a panel discussion at Conservative Party Conference 2023 in Manchester. The panel explored the UK’s role in preventing armed violence globally, protecting civilians, and upholding the rule of law at a time when it is more important than ever.

Panellists:

• James Sunderland MP

• The Rt Hon Alistair Burt (Former MP and FCO Minister)

• Josephine Dresner (Director of Policy and Strategic Partnerships, MAG)

• Jay Singh-Sohal VR (Parliamentary Candidate)

• Ryan Baldry (Senior Communications Manager, CGP)

Alistair Burt kicked off the discussion by outlining how and why lawlessness in conflict-affected states makes governance and UK assistance so challenging. “Men, money and power are the three drivers of conflict,” he said. As seen in Yemen, Sudan, and Syria, “most people desire peace and stability, but some leaders do not.”

Josephine Dresner emphasised MAG’s role in preventing the misuse of firearms around the world. MAG work with governments and security actors to deliver training which puts in place the processes to build a culture of accountability. She also pointed out the vast economic impact of improper storage of weapons — the Brazzaville disaster in Congo in 2012 is estimated to have resulted in losses of $350 million.

Jay Singh-Sohal VR spoke about the difficulties of effectively communicating the importance of UK conflict prevention development programmes to the media and to the public. He stressed the need to improve information sharing and support the expansion of the public’s knowledge base. Central to our approach and our messaging must be the value of partnerships — partnerships, including the US, that hugely elevate Britain’s soft power.

The conversation also touched upon China’s role on the world stage and the correct UK response to their influence. James Sunderland MP endorsed the Government’s “clear” approach. While China might not pose a military threat, they are a huge economic threat, he stated. Alistair Burt agreed: “we need and can’t avoid engagement.”

What does the UK need to do differently moving forward? Josephine drew attention to the funding MAG had received for their small weapons control programme in the Caribbean for the first time in eight years. The UK is well placed to train up security actors in the region. She also stressed how important it is to identify areas of violence and other countries not yet affected, with more funding from the FCDO required to match our pre-existing engagement in the region.

Jay highlighted the role the Commonwealth plays in Britain’s international reach. “We can use it to our advantage,” he said, “by encouraging dialogue through behavioural change programmes, and using our development budget to incentivise de-escalation.” He championed a more proactive response moving forward — identify threats earlier on, so that hostile actors, like Wagner, can’t flourish and embed themselves in weakened states.

On the topic of Ukraine, all the panellists emphasised the continued need for the UK to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in their fight against Russia.

The panellists were asked about the role of women in securing peace in unstable states. Josephine noted that MAG’s technical work is a good entry point for more meaningful participation of women in society. Reflecting on his experience in the Armed Forces, Jay said that we need to teach senior military leadership about women’s issues, and commended the Gender Advisory Course in the British Army. Alistair Burt stated that “women’s involvement in negotiating the end of conflict is important in state-building and good governance.”

Finally, Josephine underscored the value in bringing local actors into international policy dialogue. “Dialogues are rarely inclusive,” she said. James stressed that he would like to see an overarching international strategy that outlines the UK’s plans for ethical intervention in conflict alongside an ethical foreign policy.

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