UK to push for new, ‘open’ and democratic world order, government declares

Britain will help shape a new global order and leave behind an “outdated” international system which no longer serves the country’s interests, Boris Johnson’s government has declared ahead of the integrated review of defence, security, and foreign policies.

As well as laying out plans focusing on cyberwarfare in defence, and new counterterrorism initiatives, the review will outline how post-Brexit Britain will seek to build strategic and commercial alliances away from Europe, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.

The prime minister will launch the east-of-Suez initiative during a visit to India later this month. The keen interest in strengthening ties in the area has already been illustrated by the invitation issued to India, Australia and South Korea to join the G7 summit after the UK assumed presidency of the group this year.

The Indo-Pacific is “increasingly the geopolitical centre of the world”, No 10 said, stressing that the review would make clear that “there will be some shifts” in the UK’s international policy.

“The UK is applying for partner status at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and at the end of April the prime minister will travel to India on his first major international visit following our departure from the EU”, a spokesperson said.