With a general election on the horizon in 2024 and evolving security dynamics pulling policymakers and politicians in different directions, we spoke to two experts to hear their insights on UK security policy.  

We spoke to Olivia O'Sullivan, the Director of the UK in the World Programme at Chatham House, and Christine Cheng, senior lecturer in War Studies at King's College London. 

Our discussion gives insight into how UK political parties approach security policy making and the various challenges they face. We cover the ways in which the UK’s major parties would respond to current conflicts and crises, the areas of consensus between their approaches, the difficulties in communicating foreign policy and security challenges to domestic populations, and the potential reorientation of the UK’s foreign policy under a prospective Labour government. We also spoke about the role of foreign policy and commentary on it in the upcoming UK election more broadly, and the need for inclusive and constructive debates on security challenges. 

Saferworld, as a registered charity, is not politically affiliated in any way and is both politically neutral and impartial. 

Please note – the views, perspectives and opinions expressed in this podcast episode are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Saferworld as an organisation. 

Listen to previous Warpod episodes here. 

You can find an accessible format transcript of this episode here.