James Cleverly. Source : UK Parliament
After Senator Penny Wong said the UK must confront their colonial past, the UK Foreign Minister rejected the remarks.
Senator Wong spoke earlier this week about strengthening the UK’s Indo-Pacific relationship, where she said that in order to move forward, the UK had to confront the past of British colonialism.
UK Foreign Minister James Cleverly hit back after the remarks, where he said conversations were had with Senator Wong, but history could not be erased.
“We did touch upon the history of the UK in our relationship.” Mr Cleverly said.
“It is about recognising that you cannot eradicate or erase your history so you need to be conscious of it.
“I think it is incumbent upon the UK too, in our dealing with Australia or any other country with which were once a colonial power that we want to demonstrate that this is a modern partnership: different but equal, geographically separated but emotionally and historically bound.
“[There was] no tension, no awkwardness, perhaps more than a bit of humour about how often our history is portrayed both in Portsmouth and in London.” He said.
Mr Cleverly, when asked about Senator Wong’s speech, drew attention to the diversity throughout the UK government.
“You’re asking the black foreign secretary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain?” Mr Cleverly said.
“I mean, the bottom line is we have a prime minister of Asian heritage, you have a home secretary of Asian heritage, you have a foreign secretary of African heritage.” He said.
Australia, the UK, and the US are discussing an nuclear submarine deal, of which will be announced soon.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will travel to the US next month to meet with US President Joe Biden about the deal.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said the deal would help Australia in various ways.
“It will dramatically build our capability and with that, it will build our sovereignty.” Mr Marles said.
“The significance of Britain and America working together to help us to have that technology is one which in international terms is also highly significant.” He said.
