For many years, the United Kingdom has been one of the leading players in the world political arena. However, in 1973, Britain became a member of the European Union and sacrificed its policy to the organisation. Although the United Kingdom was the most important state in the European Union, along with Germany, it had to reckon on the EU on a number of issues. But after Brexit, the situation has radically changed.
Following the "political divorce" with the EU, the United Kingdom has taken a number of serious steps to confirm its return. Initially, London has approved the bill on the increase of the military budget, which has happened first time since the Cold War.
Furthermore, London made serious statements against major powers such as Russia and China, which were signs of Britain's independent foreign policy out of the EU. London has said it is ready to declare Moscow "the first enemy".
In addition, the British ambassador to Beijing was summoned to the Chinese Foreign Ministry and criticised for commenting on the country's domestic policy.
The question arises as to what further efforts the United Kingdom, which began an active policy after leaving the EU, will make in the coming years.
Speaking further to Eurasia Diary, the Irish historian Patrick Walsh has made his comments on Britain's return to the world politics as a non-EU member state.
The historian initially said that the decision to increase the military budget should be taken as a "Declaration of Independence" of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
"The increase in the British military budget is essentially a Declaration of Independence by the UK from Europe. It is meant as a statement of intent, that the UK is resuming its former place in the world as a sovereign state with a distinct foreign policy. It is foremost a political statement putting a clear distinction between those, like itself, who are prepared to back up the US and NATO, and those, like many countries in the EU, who are not," he said.
Britain has gained certain advantages and freedoms by leaving the European Union. The union's decision-making process is slow to respond to a number of political challenges in a timely manner. The expert spoke about the benefits of Brexit for the United Kingdom.
"The value of Brexit has already been demonstrated by the independent course the UK took in purchasing and utilising the covid vaccines. Britain has succeeded in vaccinating around 40 per cent of its population whereas the EU lags far behind with only 10 per cent on average vaccinated. As a result, alone in Europe cases in the UK are declining and economic life can return quicker," Walsh noted.
The expert also touched upon Britain's actions against China and Russia.
"Britain is aligning itself to the steady change in US orientation in which Russia, although still seen as an opponent, is going to take second place to China as the major geopolitical enemy. However, there is a problem caused by Chinese integration with, and penetration of, the international market which makes economic forms of hostilities more difficult against it than Russia," he stressed.
One of the key questions is what political line the United Kingdom will pursue in the coming years. The Irish historian believed that Britain will try to act as the number one ally of the United States.
"Britain is seeking to re-emphasise its unique position as number 1 ally of the US, as it detaches itself from Europe. While it is now a secondary military power globally, it is the foremost European power militarily. It’s main strength, however, is its tremendous soft power in the world, which is immensely useful to the US, and ensures the UK punches above its military weight and is still a force to be reckoned with," he added.
by Ulvi Ahmedli
