Embracing Our Shared Humanity
This address is not intended as a discourse on development or a focus on Africa specifically. Rather, it aims to explore the imperative of learning to coexist harmoniously. The stakes are high; if we fail to achieve this, we may face even darker times ahead. Indeed, warning signs are already manifesting.
The spectre of war has re-emerged in Europe, and the geopolitical landscape is marred by conflict, competition, and chaos. We find ourselves teetering on the brink—or, in some instances, well beyond—environmental tipping points that threaten the life-support systems we so depend upon on this small, fragile planet.
There are numerous reasons for concern. Yet, I maintain an unwavering optimism. I genuinely believe that if we can learn to coexist effectively, we have the potential to make life on Earth safer, healthier, and more fulfilling than ever before. Our focus tonight will be on how we can achieve this.
Engaging in Meaningful Conversations at SOAS
It is a privilege to engage in this dialogue at SOAS, an institution that has long recognised our interconnectedness, irrespective of our nationality, faith, language, or culture. The Global South, in particular, is a region brimming with untapped potential.
To illustrate my point, I invite you to envision not being at SOAS, but rather at the Bilston Miners Welfare and Social Club, located in a former mining village just outside Edinburgh, where I proudly serve as MP. My friend Ross is a vital member of the club’s committee and played a crucial role in its survival during a challenging financial period, akin to many community clubs.
Why did he take on this responsibility? For numerous reasons. Firstly, the club boasts, as the local line-dancing troupe would attest, the finest dance floor in southern Scotland. This floor is not merely a surface; it is a space where weddings, wakes, and milestone birthdays are celebrated—where memories are forged.
The Importance of Community and Shared Purpose
Secondly, the club is a treasured community hub. With the local pub and pavilion now gone, it stands as the last bastion for people to congregate, transforming mere acquaintances into true neighbours in the sense of ‘love thy neighbour.’
Ross has become a stalwart of the club, actively participating in the bowls league. You might think he embodies the kind of person one would want in their neighbourhood—someone who engages actively with community needs. You would be correct.
However, what makes Ross truly exceptional is that his commitment extends beyond Bilston. He works for Sightsavers, advocating for the rights of disabled individuals who reside thousands of miles away from Midlothian. I believe he is not an anomaly.
When I first started dating my husband, he accompanied my father to church on a single occasion to better understand how my upbringing in the Church of Scotland shaped me. Given his minimal religious background, he was surprised to discover he had been raised Catholic. His understanding of primary school teachers was that they were nuns, and he believed that grandmothers displayed photographs of the Pope out of familial affection.
Global Connections in Local Experiences
Consequently, it is no wonder that he had a plethora of questions following the service. His primary inquiry revolved around the prayers of intercession: “Is it typical to transition from praying for someone who has fallen and is responsible for the flowers to those facing homelessness and, finally, to the people of Afghanistan—all within three minutes?” The answer is yes; this is indeed the norm.
This format had been a constant throughout my childhood, but it resurfaced in my mind during my time at Save the Children, particularly throughout the pandemic—an experience I will expand upon shortly.
For now, let me transport you from Scotland and SOAS to Ethiopia, where I recently had the opportunity to visit. In preparation for my trip, I watched an insightful film produced by the Red Cross featuring interviews with local Ethiopian volunteers. One individual articulated a sentiment that resonated deeply: “To give your time and energy to people you might not even know, simply because they are human too.”
The Power of Solidarity Across Borders
This principle is precisely why Ross dedicates his time to both his local club and the broader mission of preserving the sight of those he has never met. It is also why faith communities across the nation include in their prayers the needs of both their congregants and those residing in distant lands, as well as why I am committed to effecting change in both Midlothian and the world at large.
This is the essence of my message tonight, and I am grateful to the New Economics Foundation for providing me with this platform. For four decades, the NEF has consistently refused to view challenges in isolation; it has always urged us to recognise that the same systemic forces—ideologies that diminish the value of certain futures—can adversely affect individuals regardless of where they reside.
Universal Challenges of Our Time
I previously mentioned a realisation I had while working at Save the Children during the global pandemic. The challenges we face in the 2020s are universal, albeit not uniformly experienced. Take climate change, for instance.
During my time in Ethiopia, I travelled to the Afar region and challenge anyone who doubts the urgency of addressing climate change to stand in 43-degree heat, witnessing individuals whose livelihoods have been ravaged by drought, waiting in line for life-changing aid.
Conversely, I invite sceptics to visit locations such as Makerfield or Stourbridge, where they can speak with individuals whose lives have been shattered by floods or fires. Ask them if they believe this is merely an acceptable price for an addiction to fossil fuels.
Consider employment as another example; precarious work conditions are prevalent globally. From garment workers in sweatshops to individuals in the UK on zero-hours contracts, countless people lack the protections necessary to earn fair compensation for their efforts.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Universal Experiences
Moreover, the issue of violence against women and girls knows no boundaries. One in three women worldwide will experience gender-based violence, and there are survivors in this room, just as there are likely survivors in every room you enter this week.
It is essential to clarify that I am not suggesting these experiences are equally intense everywhere; rather, the underlying concerns are universal. We all understand what it is to worry about our homes, families, and safety. If we have not personally experienced these fears, we are likely to know someone who has. When we learn of such occurrences affecting those overseas, something within us stirs—simply because they are human too.
This notion is not new; as John Donne articulated in 1624, “Any man’s death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind. Therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” This concept holds renewed significance as we navigate the complexities of the 21st century.
Commitment to Global Engagement and Collaboration
My first assertion this evening is that the UK possesses remarkable diplomatic, developmental, and humanitarian capabilities, which we will deploy in alignment with our values. Naturally, we are equally committed to defending and advancing our national interests.
Consider the Horn of Africa; we are collaborating with partners to enhance maritime security, as disruptions to vital shipping routes transcend borders. Their impact is felt globally, influencing trade and supply chains that ultimately affect us all during our weekend grocery shopping.
Furthermore, take our new Growth Partnership with Ghana. Already, Ghanaian garment firms are supplying school uniforms to ASDA George in the UK, creating hundreds of jobs in Ghana—predominantly for women—while also aiding British parents in managing their children’s educational expenses.
Balancing National Interests with Global Responsibility
We are unapologetic and energetic in pursuing agreements that enhance the safety and wellbeing of the British populace. However, we are equally committed to engaging in initiatives driven by our shared humanity. When we witnessed the harrowing footage from Nepal, we did not need to inquire for whom the bell tolled; we simply knew.
When contemplating the situation in Sudan—one that is as defining as it is tragic—be prepared for forthcoming updates on our efforts to preserve life and avert further horrors. During my visit to Ethiopia, I encountered a mobile health clinic that provided essential healthcare to local pastoralists who would otherwise need to travel for days to access medical services. I heard the two most beautiful sounds—a child crying after receiving vaccinations and the reassuring heartbeat of an expectant mother during her ultrasound.
Redefining Our Global Approach
In that moment, I was not preoccupied with whether those children would become future customers for UK products or whether they might migrate. My thoughts were solely on the sanctity of life and the honour of assisting healthcare professionals in their mission to save children.
When the Foreign Secretary asserts that climate and development now lie at the core of British foreign policy, take note—we mean it. Our commitment to advocating for the two-state solution in Israel and Palestine stems from our recognition of the moral urgency of the situation. When we discuss international humanitarian law and our obligations to protect civilians, please understand that