Our priorities

We will pursue an active and activist foreign policy, working with other countries and strengthening the rules-based international system in support of our values.

You can also read the FCO Business Plan which sets out, in detail, the Coalition Government's vision for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office over the next four years.

The Foreign Secretary outlines the Coalition Government's vision in the following video:

Video: Government vision on UK foreign policy

Full text of speech

Our purpose

Use our global diplomatic network to protect and promote UK interests worldwide.

Security

Safeguard Britain's national security by countering terrorism and weapons proliferation, and working to reduce conflict.

Prosperity

Build Britain’s prosperity by increasing exports and investment, opening markets, ensuring access to resources, and promoting sustainable global growth.

Consular

Support British nationals around the world through modern and efficient consular services.

Key Foreign Secretary speeches

Britain's foreign policy in a networked world

Britain's values in a networked world

Britain’s prosperity in a networked world

International security in a networked world

Foreign Secretary's video blog on foreign policy priorities for 2011

Foreign Secretary William Hague on YouTube

> See all videos

Latest news: The Foreign Secretary

Foreign Secretary attends Foreign Affairs Council
12 April 2011, 13:43 BST
Foreign Secretary William Hague said the EU policies towards the Middle East and North Africa should be "bold and ambitious" ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
Foreign Secretary on arrest of Former President Gbagbo
11 April 2011, 17:21 BST
Foreign Secretary William Hague said any judicial process that follows should be fair and properly organised.
Foreign Secretary discusses Libya and Middle East issues with Italian Foreign Minister
11 April 2011, 15:17 BST
Foreign Secretary William Hague discussed the situation in the Middle East and Libya during his meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini on 11 April.
Foreign Secretary condemns the killing of demonstrators by the Syrian security forces
8 April 2011, 19:41 BST
Foreign secretary William Hague called on the Syrian Government to uphold its responsibility to protect demonstrators and respect the right of peaceful protest and free speech.
Foreign Secretary condemns attack in southern Israel
7 April 2011, 19:55 BST
Foreign Secretary William Hague reiterates that Hamas must halt these strikes immediately, and rein in other militant factions in Gaza.