Paul Arkwright

Political change is in the air

There were a couple of cultural highlights last week: an excellent production of Macbeth by Cheek by Jowl in the The Hague and a gala Beethoven concert by the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra at the weekend. Sandwiched between these events, I visited HMS Ocean, the Royal Navy’s biggest ship which was visiting Rotterdam following a naval exercise with the Dutch and other NATO allies. All provided good opportunities to broaden and deepen my range of contacts here – and the Macbeth production and HMS Ocean visit were fine examples of how we can make the most of British assets to promote what the UK has to offer.

A wide range of Dutch politicians were present at these events. It’s clear from my conversations with them that there is a sense of political change in the air. Recent resignations of senior politicians, notably Agnes Kant of the Socialist Party, Wouter Bos of the Labour Party and Camiel Eurlings of the Christian Democrats, have caused quite a stir. Add to this the success of Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party in the local elections 2 weeks ago, and there is a palpable sense of uncertainty as we approach the general election on 9 June. With the popular Job Cohen, Mayor of Amsterdam, now leading the Labour Party, many feel he will take on Wilders’ anti-immigration message directly – and that the Labour Party will benefit as a result. The political polls are going to be particularly interesting in the next few weeks.

Posted at 12:10 15 March 2010 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[1]

London 2012 will be the games for all the world

The Vancouver Olympics have finished, with a clutch of gold medals for the Netherlands (I was particularly impressed by the snowboarding gold for a country with no mountains..), and one for the Brits. The Olympic torch has passed to London, and with less than 900 days to go, attention is turning to 2012. This week at the Amsterdam Olympic Stadium VisitBritain held their annual event for the Dutch Travel Trade and press - with an Olympic flavour to the day. Dennis van der Geest, judo Olympic medal winner, and Chris Holmes, a British blind Paralympics swimmer with 9 Olympic medals, spoke to the participants.

Both presentations were inspirational, but pride of place must go to Chris who was present as an Ambassador for the See Britain Through My Eyes campaign. He made the point that London 2012 will be the games for all the world, from every background, able-bodied as well as disabled - celebrating the greatest festival in human endeavour. There will be a series of events in the Netherlands leading up to the Games. We want everyone to enjoy the Games, to visit Britain to see them and to experience the diversity of the UK. After that, we're looking forward to welcoming the football World Cup back to England in 2018 (once the small matter of winning the competition is over....)

Posted at 16:44 05 March 2010 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[1]

The way ahead

Last Thursday over 200 Heads of Mission participated in an “e-Leadership Conference” using web-based broadband technology – a first for the Foreign Office. The conference was divided into 2 main parts – a policy discussion led by the Foreign Secretary and a session with Peter Ricketts, Permanent Secretary, to discuss the resource climate and way ahead for the organisation.

There were a few technical problems, especially for those Heads of Mission in places with less reliable internet connections, but overall it was a great success.  David Miliband was frank about the foreign policy challenges facing us – dealing with weak states unable to establish authority and at risk of descending into conflict; strong states that defy international rules; and global problems where systemic risks such as the financial crisis and climate change require reinforcing international and regional rules. More questions than answers of course. But the contributions from colleagues were refreshing in their analysis of the difficulties ahead, and reassuring in the common sense of purpose we share in bringing FCO influence and insight to bear in a complex international environment.

The financial background is sobering. We face further reductions in the Foreign Office budget which will limit our ability to make a difference. But I was encouraged by the general sense among colleagues that the UK diplomatic service should be proud of what we do, and confident about the future, whatever the colour of the next government. On a personal note, it was good to hear and read comments from friends around “the network”, many facing the same difficulties as me in providing the best possible service for the UK at a time of increasing uncertainty. Heads of Mission are due to meet in person in July in London. I’m looking forward to it. While it’s great to communicate in the virtual world, nothing can beat face to face contact. 

 

Posted at 15:11 01 March 2010 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[2]

Collapse of Dutch coalition government

Posted at 10:59 22 February 2010 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[3]

Tough Job for the Judges

It's good to get away from the everyday job now and then - and one of the benefits of being an Ambassador is being invited to events which open up new avenues. My wife and I went to Amsterdam this week for one of these - a reception for the judges of the World Press Photo Competition. We had a long chat to the 2 British judges, Kate Edwards (picture editor at the Guardian Magazine) and Harry Borden a portrait photographer who has worked with an impressive range of prominent (and not so prominent) people. The judging sounds pretty gruelling - 2 weeks in a darkened room viewing up to 100,000 images submitted for the various categories of the competition. Kate and Harry described intense and passionate debates about the merits of the pictures - and the privilege of being able to see different perspectives from people from hugely different cultures and backgrounds - something diplomats need to do too. The winner will be announced later today - watch this space...

Posted at 11:41 12 February 2010 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[0]

London Conference: Commitment to the future of Afghanistan

The London Conference on Afghanistan was held yesterday. It was  hosted by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and President Karzai, with over 70 countries and international organisations present. Foreign Minister Verhagen and Development Minister Koenders represented the Netherlands.
 
Among other conclusions, the Conference resulted in an agreement between the Afghan government and the international community to:
 

• develop a plan for phased transition to Afghan government control of security, province by province;
• significantly increase the Afghan Army and Police Force, supported by the international community;
• take measures to tackle corruption;
• better coordinate development assistance;
• support the Afghan Government's Peace and Reintegration Programme, offering economic alternatives to those who renounce violence;
• increase regional cooepration to combat terrorism, violent extremism and the drugs trade.

 
I was particularly pleased that the Conference Communique highlighted the role of women in rebuilding Afghanistan, and welcomed the Afghan government's commitment to strengthen the participation of women in all Afghan governance institutions - one of the key recommendations from the recent Gender Concern International Conference in The Hague in which I participated.
 
The Conference was an impressive demonstration of the international community's commitment to the future of Afghanistan. Now comes the difficult part - implementing the agreement. That's what I and my team at the Embassy will be working on with the Dutch government in the weeks and months ahead. I hope this will include a decision soon to continue Dutch military engagement in Afghanistan, in line with decisions by other NATO Allies and partners to maintain, and in many cases increase, their military contribution there.

Posted at 16:11 29 January 2010 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[1]

Turning ideas into action at the London Conference

 “We all agree that changes are necessary and everyone has the most eloquent ways of stating what we want our future to look like. But now it is time to act.” Powerful words spoken by the Founder and Director of Gender Concerns International, Sabra Bano, at the conference I attended yesterday on Women at the Flash Point: 2010 and Beyond – Women’s Voices from Afghanistan and the Neighbouring Countries. The participants’ passion and determination to ensure that Afghan women’s voices are heard was impressive.

It was pointed out that an investment in women is an investment in our future. Women’s rights should be fully respected. But without action these words will remain just that. As the Dutch minister for Development Cooperation, Bert Koenders, said yesterday: “Now, we need to get the international community to act and then we will really be able to make a difference”.

I undertook to transmit the conclusions of yesterday’s conference to the London Conference on Afghanistan, which will take place on 28 January. One of our main purposes in London will be to focus the international community on a clear set of priorities across the 43-nation coalition and marshal the maximum international effort to help the Afghan government deliver. And turning the ideas of Afghan women into action will be essential in making this aspiration a reality.

 

Posted at 17:36 15 January 2010 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[0]

Building a stable and secure Afghanistan

London will be the venue for a crucial International Conference on 28 January on the future of Afghanistan. Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, the UK Foreign Secretary's Special Representative for Afghanistan & Pakistan, was in The Hague this week to discuss the aims of the Conference, and the Dutch role in working with the UK and our international partners to deliver and coordinate support to enable President Karzai to meet the ambitions he set out in his inauguration speech. The London Conference will focus on:

• security
• development and governance
• regional framework/international architecture

Our collective aim is to build a stable and secure Afghanistan - a long-term plan with many challenges, but the international community is determined to continue to support the Afghan government to see the task through. ISAF partners will gradually move to a more supportive role, but will stay in Afghanistan until Afghan forces are ready to take full control.

In the meantime, we continue to discuss with the Dutch coalition government the shape of the Netherlands’ contribution in Afghanistan after the end of the current mission in Uruzgan later this year. We hope to see a significant Dutch contribution, building on the excellent development and security work already undertaken by Dutch military and civilians in Uruzgan.

Posted at 16:36 05 January 2010 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[0]

Copenhagen has brought transformation in attitudes and behaviours

The Copenhagen Conference has finished with an Accord which sets out a number of important measures on aiming to keep global warming to 2 degrees, setting up climate financing amounting to $100bn per year by 2020, and pledging to announce emissions reductions by the end of January 2010. It’s a significant step forward, but it falls short of the expectations of many, and leaves a number of issues unresolved.  So, not the ground-breaking agreement the UK was hoping for. But we shouldn’t lose heart: the transformation Copenhagen has brought in attitudes and behaviours towards climate change from governments and the world’s citizens marks a significant victory.

The next few months will be crucial – we need to convert the Copenhagen deal into a legally-binding treaty, providing a more effective mechanism to achieve this while keeping all states on board. And we need to act quickly. The UK, from the Prime Minister down, will remain at the forefront of the international campaign to deliver a meaningful result. The Embassy climate change team and I will be talking in the next few weeks to the key Dutch players to work together on next steps.

In the meantime, may I wish all readers a peaceful holiday season and successful 2010.

Posted at 11:55 23 December 2009 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[2]

Sealing the deal at Copenhagen

The Copenhagen Climate Conference is half way through, and from reports I’m seeing from the UK team at the Conference, there’s still a long way to go before the competing interests can find a way through and “seal the deal”.

But seal the deal we must – the poignant photograph I saw in a UK newspaper last week of a melting ice sculpture of a polar bear in Trafalgar Square sums up the urgency.

PM Brown, with Dutch support, has made clear that he is ready to move now to a 30% figure for reductions in carbon emissions by 2020 - another significant step in the UK's effort to secure a global - and ambitious - outcome to the Conference. In Copenhagen, the UK and Dutch delegations are working closely together, notably on the EU financing package, with a deal reached at last week’s European Council to offer over $10bn for “fast-track funding” over 3 years. The UK is making the largest contribution. Developing countries say this is not enough. Indeed - other rich countries need to contribute too. With world leaders arriving in Copenhagen this week to oversee the final negotiations, it’s crucial they reach consensus. It’s widely recognised that Copenhagen presents the best opportunity for serious action against climate change, as I argued earlier last week in an interview on Dutch TV.

Posted at 11:16 14 December 2009 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[0]

World Cup 2018 in England?

With the draw for the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa tomorrow, Dutch football fans are looking forward to finding out who’ll they will be playing in the group stages. They won’t be playing England at the first stage as both teams have been seeded in the top group. So with any luck we’ll be playing each other in the final! With so many Dutch players in the Premier League, English football is very popular here (though surprisingly enough Bolton Wanderers do not have a huge following in the Netherlands...). Meanwhile at the Embassy we are working on promoting England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup  – quite a challenge as there is a rival bid by the Netherlands and Belgium. Perhaps we should decide the competition through a penalty shoot-out in South Africa. On second thoughts...

Posted at 15:06 03 December 2009 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[1]

The Hague, City of International Peace and Justice

My father is a lawyer, but I hadn't had much exposure to international law in my diplomatic career - until I arrived in The Hague. Among my responsibilities here I am the UK representative to the legal institutions established in the "City of International Peace and Justice". The trial of Radovan Karadzic recently opened at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Last week, the Assembly of States Party to the International Criminal Court held its annual meeting. And this week sees the opening of the case to be heard by the International Court of Justice on the question of Kosovo's independence. Whether the goal of the institutions here is to resolve international disputes, or to seek justice for those who would not otherwise receive it, they all have a major role to play in preventing conflict. Their work, and the UK's huge contribution to it, is rarely publicised - but it should be celebrated. 

Posted at 10:56 30 November 2009 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[1]

Baroness Ashton - a strong voice at the heart of EU foreign policy

So the EU "top jobs" have been decided. Neither Tony Blair nor PM Balkenende get the President slot. After all the excitement, The Hague returns to domestic politics - and many here express relief that Balkenende is not going to Brussels. He has a lot on his plate, including steering through the government's budget proposals. The appointment of Baroness Ashton as the new EU "foreign policy chief" is good for the UK -  a strong voice at the heart of EU foreign policy making at a time of serious global challenges. Meanwhile, I take a break from Dutch politics to watch TV as Bolton lose (again) in the Premier League. That sinking feeling....

Posted at 10:31 23 November 2009 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[1]

Copenhagen - pulling together a global deal is the key

EU Ambassadors were invited this week to a briefing by Jacqueline Cramer, the Dutch environment Minister. She gave a sobering assessment of the prospects for success at the forthcoming Copenhagen Climate Summit. She noted that, with only 23 days to go, a determined EU - and international - effort is necessary to create the conditions for an agreement. Gordon Brown has announced he will attend, and Ms Cramer confirmed that the Dutch Prime Minister will also be there - a strong signal of the seriousness with which The Netherlands government is taking the summit. The EU has taken a lead in the preparations and has set itself ambitious objectives for reductions in carbon emissions. But the key will be to pull together a global deal covering developed and developing countries. I and the Embassy team are staying in close touch with our Dutch colleagues as Copenhagen approaches. 

Posted at 14:36 13 November 2009 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[0]

A time for reflection at Remembrance Day services

A particularly poignant day for me – 20 years ago I was on my first Foreign Office posting in West Berlin when I witnessed the Wall coming down. How can I forget the euphoria of the city as east and west came together – excitement, hope and uncertainty mingled in the human tide flooding through the crossing at Bornholmer Strasse? A sense of history being made, but no idea of what would come next.  And yesterday a time for reflection as I participated in Remembrance Day services and commemorations in The Hague to honour those who have fought and died in conflict throughout the world. Yet again, I was reminded of the gratitude and respect here in The Netherlands between liberated and liberators as children laid flowers on the graves of Commonwealth servicemen killed in World War 2.  The Fall of the Wall in effect ended the divisions created by WW2. I thought back to those tumultuous events in 1989 as the cemetery in The Hague fell silent after the playing of the Last Post.

Posted at 16:57 09 November 2009 by Paul Arkwright  |  Comments[1]