The UK should be outward-looking and committed to its alliances. If we want to prosper, we need to reduce barriers to trade and work closely with our partners, including through a more constructive relationship with the European Union. If we want to deter aggression and address long-term challenges, we need strong alliances. International agreements and institutions should be respected, because they provide stability and trust.
Respect does not mean passivity. Where reform is needed, the UK should pursue it with like-minded partners. That applies to the European Convention on Human Rights as much as anywhere else. The right approach is neither reflexive hostility nor blind acceptance, but a clear-eyed willingness to uphold what works and change what does not.