Jim Murphy

Queer Sarajevo Festival

2008-09-26T15:36:45+01:00

This week saw the launch of the 'Queer Sarajevo Festival' . This was meant to be a celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights and freedoms in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to promote tolerance and diversity. I was shocked and saddened to hear that following an outbreak of violence on Wednesday night the organisers felt they had to take the decision to cancel the remainder of the festival.

Homophobic violence has no place in any society. Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed up to various international human rights treaties that forbid discrimination and under Bosnian law such discrimination is illegal. It is important that all people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and all over the world, should be allowed to enjoy their human rights without fear of violence, intimidation or discrimination on the basis of their beliefs or sexuality. The British Embassy has been keeping in close touch with the festival organisers and issued a joint press statement with other Embassies in Sarajevo condemning the violence. And as the UK Government, we urge the Bosnian authorities to take strong action against those who perpetrated this violence.

Global Europe Seminars in Budapest and Warsaw

2008-09-18T16:35:49+01:00

I've just returned from a fascinating two days in Budapest and Warsaw, where I met politicians, business leaders and academics to discuss how we can best work together, within Europe, to tackle the challenges of climate change, the credit crunch, and the Georgia crisis - to name but a few. And I took part in two seminars on the theme of "Building a successful and sustainable Europe".

Poland is, of course, a large and influential EU Member State - one of the "Big Six" - and a natural partner for the UK. We can find common cause on many issues, such as how to best respond to Russia's actions on Georgia. And we have a great deal to discuss on subjects where we differ - for example on the action that is needed to tackle climate change.

In Budapest I was reminded about how passionately Hungarians disagree about their politics, and also had very good discussions of EU issues with Kinga Göncz, the Hungarian Foreign Minister. We released a joint UK-Hungary Human Rights Declaration, emphasising the commitment of both our countries to protecting human rights, and eliminating all forms of discrimination, especially against the Roma, who are a vulnerable and marginalised group in many EU countries. The Budapest Holocaust Memorial Center, with its exhibition "From Deprivation of Rights to Genocide", was a moving example of quite how crucial it is to do everything we can to ensure that discrimination and hatred have no place in the 21st century world. Earlier in the week I had the chance to meet and talk to the remarkable Elie Wiesel at a dinner in London to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Holocaust Educational Trust. Well done to the Trust for 20 years work in keeping the memory alive.

Visiting Hungary next week

2008-09-11T10:55:57+01:00

I'm going to Hungary next week for meetings on Europe (making it more competitive, creating more jobs and growth, making it more secure and prosperous in the face of globalisation) and the range of foreign policy issues on the agenda at the moment.

I'm also going to discuss human rights and tolerance with my Hungarian counterpart who recently hosted the 1st Budapest Human Rights Forum. The Hungarian government is trying hard to integrate better its 10% Roma minority, which faces problems of exclusion and intolerance. Some people might have seen the film Happy New Life by Arpad Bogdan - a young Hungarian film director who spent his childhood in an orphanage, and who has examined the issues faced by a generation of Roma like him in his new film. Last week the BBC screened a documentary about Mr Bogdan - entitled "Looking for my Gypsy Roots". I will meet the documentary's producer/director, Antonia Meszaros, at an event at the British Embassy. The situation of the Roma in Hungary and Central Europe is a complex one - to which there are no easy solutions, but it's not a situation any of us can ignore. I look forward to hearing more about what is being done and will post an update while I'm in Budapest if I can.

EU-Ukraine Summit

2008-09-09T17:48:52+01:00

The Foreign Secretary visited Kiev two weeks ago, to show our support for Ukraine in the wake of events in Georgia. Today in Paris the EU and Ukraine agreed to take our relationship a big step forward by agreeing to conclude an Association Agreement. This will help Ukraine to integrate further into the European economy, co-operate on tackling organised crime and trafficking, and improve the prosperity and security of the EU.

Ukraine is a European country, the Summit today explicitly recognised that fact and acknowledged that one day Ukraine might apply for membership. David Miliband set out our approach towards Ukraine in a speech he delivered in Kiev. We believe that the door to EU membership should be open to Ukraine. EU membership will take time and effort, but the goal should be clear.

This success makes it all the more important that Ukraine can handle effectively the domestic political challenges we have seen over the past couple of weeks. I've been heartened by the firm commitment which all sides in Kiev have made to tackling those challenges constitutionally and democratically. Ukraine's democratic record, as well as its impressively free media, have the shown that the country can be a leader and - as the Foreign Secretary said in Kiev - a model to others in the region. They also underpin Ukraine's strong case for membership of the EU and NATO in due course.

Best of luck in Beijing

2008-09-05T17:14:13+01:00

A quick blog to say good luck to GB's squad doing their last minute preparations for the Paralympics starting in Beijing tomorrow. We've got 206 athletes competing in 18 Paralympic sports (and did you know there's 50 years between the youngest and oldest of our competitors?). Another lesser known fact is that the Paralympic Games started at Stoke Mandeville hospital in Aylesbury in 1948 when a certain Dr Ludwig Guttmann started a competition between sports groups and other hospitals at the same time as the Olympic Games which was also held in London that year. It's being going strong ever since and all the best to this year's team.

The Balkans - international pressure point

2008-09-05T15:18:44+01:00

The world has rightly been focussing on the crisis in Georgia and I've also blogged about it in the last couple of weeks. But it is important that we don't forget about the other international pressure points - one of which is Bosnia and Herzegovina. This week I met Miroslav Lajcak, the International Community's most senior representative there. Bosnia and Herzegovina was the scene of unspeakable ethnic cleansing in the 1990s. I visited Sarajevo earlier in the year and saw the progress but also the pressures. A wide-ranging agreement with the EU in June was an important step. But there remain significant obstacles to progress and we have to maintain our focus to ensure the country moves forward.

The Balkans remains a sensitive region. Kosovo is now independent and faces the challenge of building a successful multi-ethnic country ; Serbia has elected a moderate government and faces the challenge of moving definitively towards Europe; Karadzic is appearing before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia charged with war crimes, but Mladic remains on the run; and Macedonia remains fragile and in dispute with Greece over its name. All of these are complex situations, and until they're resolved, rebuilding following the shattering consequences of the break up of Yugoslavia will not be complete.

Cyprus Settlement

2008-09-03T17:11:01+01:00

A lot of Brits might still be lucky enough to be holidaying on Cyprus at the moment, and if so they'll be inadvertent witnesses to a historic moment today when the leaders of the two Cypriot communities launch direct negotiations aimed at finding a Cyprus settlement. The progress that has been made this year has been incredibly encouraging. The two leaders have demonstrated their commitment and willingness to work together towards a settlement to reunify Cyprus. What the two leaders are embarking on presents perhaps the best opportunity to solve the Cyprus problem.

I welcome the launch of these talks and encourage the two leaders to seize the opportunity to put an end to this damaging division that cuts right through the heart of Cypriot society. The phrase "once in a generation" is overused in politics but that really is what this is. We'll continue to support their efforts in the coming months, and I look forward to having the opportunity to visit the island soon.

Olympics

2008-08-20T15:17:03+01:00

The Olympic medals table makes great viewing. Team GB are third - thanks to the brilliance of so many UK sportsmen and women. I stayed up and watched the womens marathon til after 3am and, while much of the drama was about Paula Radcliffe's run and Liz Yelling's fall, the real story was the FCO's Mara Yamauchi coming in a record 6th, equalling the best performance by a British woman.

But interestingly the table looks great from other countries too.In the US the table has been redefined and the US are top ahead of China by organising it according to total medals won rather than the number of golds. Given this would drop us to fourth, behind Russia, I'm not persuaded! Spare a thought too for the Slovenians who could also be top - if it were organised in medals won per capita.

It's also great to be ahead of France, Germany, Italy and every other European country! Barring a surge by one of these, we may well be number one in Europe.If so, I can genuinely look forward to the next time I meet ministers in Brussels.I will miss the games. Roll on 2012 and London.

Georgia Latest

2008-08-19T16:57:22+01:00

I agree with Robert who commented on this blog on 17 August - he's right to question whether punishing "ordinary folk" in Russia through imposing visa restrictions is really an effective and logical response to Russia's deplorable actions in the last 2 weeks. The UK's visa policy is always to focus this kind of action on the people responsible rather than the general public - that's why we targetted tightened visa restrictions at Russian officials only in our disagreement over Litvinenko, and why we did not change our visa policy towards ordinary Russians then and why we won't change it now. But we do need to send clear messages to Russia about their behaviour. As the Foreign Secretary said today in his article in the Times we can't disengage. The right response is hard-headed engagement to make sure that Russia understands the consequences of its actions. As Russia has breached international norms, the international community needs to respond as one. The UK has been intensively engaged in international negotiations, including through the EU, G7 OSCE, NATO and the UN, to ensure an appropriate, unified response.

I regret to say that even now the situation on the ground throughout Georgia remains fluid and fragile. Although the ceasefire is largely continuing to hold there are some reports of continuing violence and this must stop immediately. And there are still Russian forces well beyond Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We welcomed the Russian statement that withdrawal was beginning but there is no sign whatsoever of this happening on the ground. We now we need to see evidence on the ground that Russia is living up to the commitments it has made.

The Foreign Secretary has been in Brussels again today, this time for a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of NATO countries. Some of you will have seen that he has been making these points strongly. The UK continues to offer Georgia both practical and political support in the short term - for example through sending immediate humanitarian aid - and longer term as they continue with their reform processes. The Foreign Secretary is right now flying to Tbilisi to discuss with partners there what we can do to help, and to see the situation on the ground for himself.

Georgia Discussion in Brussels

2008-08-13T19:05:57+01:00

I'm in Brussels discussing the situation in Georgia. The 27 countries of the European Union were united in their grave concern about the recent developments. Military actions are not a solution. The war has led to heavy loss of life and inflicted widespread humanitarian suffering.

Foreign Ministers welcomed the EU mediation efforts and urged the parties to the conflict to respect the commitments they had made, starting with an effective ceasefire. They reaffirmed that the European Union will work to support the observation mission on the ground, which is led by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and provide essential aid for the humanitarian situation.

The crucial thing now is to make sure that the ceasefire holds and the humanitarian suffering is addressed. Then we need meaningful talks about the future and strong international supervision of the process.

Brits Abroad

2008-08-13T18:56:24+01:00

News earlier this week about the number of UK holiday makers in Spain who are arrested each year. I was on holiday in Costa Brava, an area of Spain that is remarkably British. In fact there seem to be more Irish bars than there are in Ireland. And I have to admit I didn't see any trouble at all.

But the figures are worrying. British tourists abroad sometimes forget that if they break the laws of the country they are in they will face justice in the same way that a foreign tourist visiting the UK is subject to our laws when they are here. Meg Munn is the Minister responsible for Consular Services in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. On Tuesday, she commented on the report and reminded Brits of some of the simple steps they can take to avoid problems when travelling overseas. You can read these and get travel advice on our website .

Events in Georgia

2008-08-12T18:26:05+01:00

The events in Georgia over the last 5 days have shocked me, people throughout the UK and the international community. Russia's use of force in a sovereign and democratic country is unacceptable and unjustifiable. The situation has been moving too fast to even blog about at times, and I have kept in touch daily with our Ambassador in Tbilisi to follow Russia's movements and motives, Georgia's response and the impact on the people in Georgia, including the 350 or so UK citizens who have been caught up in the violence. The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and I have all been involved in efforts with partners in the EU, NATO, G7, OSCE and UN to put pressure on Russia to end its actions, and David Miliband and I will both be in Brussels tomorrow at an emergency meeting of EU Foreign Ministers to discuss the situation and way forward.

Today, President Medvedev has said that Russia's forces will end their operations. We wait to see the evidence of this. I visited Georgia in May and met President Saakashvili and saw for myself the fragile situation on the ground - this has now been shattered. It is for Georgia and the international community to work together, building on the efforts of France and the OSCE, to return to the path towards peace in the region.

Serbia's ambassadors reinstated

2008-07-29T10:05:53+01:00

You may have heard last week that the Serbian government has decided to reinstate its ambassadors who were withdrawn from the EU countries that recognised Kosovo's independence. This is good news. It is only by having regular contact that differences can be reconciled and relationships strengthened. This decision will allow us all to work together to achieve our shared objective - Serbia in the EU.

The new Serbian government has shown in the last week that facing up to the past is the only way for Serbia, and the region, to secure lasting peace and prosperity (see my blog on Karadzic arrest). I am pleased that the new government is seizing opportunities to move Serbia closer to the EU.

Of course there is still more for Serbia to do to fulfil its EU ambition and I hope they continue to progress with the same pragmatism and drive they have shown this week.

Karadzic arrest

2008-07-23T12:38:38+01:00

I was really pleased to hear the news that Radovan Karadzic has been arrested in Serbia. Karadzic has blood on his hands and the world is a better place now that he has been detained. He organised the murder of thousands of innocent people in a vile campaign of ethnic cleansing. We should congratulate the Serbian government for this achievement. Having seen first hand the efforts to rebuild Bosnia after the terrible three way civil war, I think that this is an important step.

Public diplomacy - what do you think?

2008-07-22T11:29:07+01:00

I took part on 21 July in a joint FCO/Chatham House seminar focused on the FCO publication on public diplomacy I launched recently in Washington “Engagement: Public Diplomacy in a Globalised World”. I want to drive forward the debate and the event was a part of this effort. With participants from business, NGOs, the media, civil society, government and academia, there was some pretty lively discussion. I want to hear what you think too. Comment on this blog to share your thoughts about the publication and I’ll come back to you in a few weeks with a round-up of where I think the debate has got to.

Challenging Anti-Semitism

2008-07-15T12:46:03+01:00

I gave the inaugural lecture at the launch of the European Institute for the Study of Contemporary Anti-Semitism in the House of Commons last night - a new think tank aiming to re-engage the academic debate on combatting anti-Semitism. There was lots of interest in my speech - you can read it in full here.

Changing relationships - the US, UK and EU

2008-07-12T14:52:21+01:00

For those of you who have been following my visit to the US I thought I should post a quick blog on a second speech I gave. I spoke at the Brookings Institution this morning in Washington. The topic was about the evolution of the transatlantic agenda, and the vital role of public diplomacy in it. Click here to read it . Let me know what you think.

There was a good discussion about climate change, Russia, the media and cooperation between democracies. I enjoyed it and it was great of Brookings to host it. Its been a busy 24 hours for them with British politicians because my friend and UK Defence Secretary Des Browne spoke there yesterday. Click here to read his speech

Engaging in D.C.

2008-07-11T09:59:57+01:00

I officially launched the public diplomacy publication "Engagement" on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. last night. I spoke about why public diplomacy needs to change (easy: because the world is changing), and how we do that (harder: but it means engaging with and listening to the right people, in the right way, at the right time - as we develop policies and not just when we deliver them). Read my full speech online.

Congressman Payne, a member of the congressional Foreign Affairs Committee, kindly also spoke at the launch of the book and gave a fascinating snapshot of the shifts in public diplomacy trends in the USA and around the world since the phrase was coined in the 1960s. And he underlined the inclusivity of policy making in a globalised world that the book promotes. Let me know what you think - read it online.

Is climate change man made?

2008-07-09T08:12:51+01:00

I thought I should post a second blog on my visit to Utah. I had lunch with the Mayor of Salt Lake City and the President of the Senate as well as other senior politicians. It was fascinating. I was in a minority in believing that climate change was indeed man made. Some of the politicians cited the various reports which claim that climate change is not new, and is simply the earth's natural cycle which repeats itself over time. These reports seem to have a real influence on them.

There were also concerns because Utah is more than 80% reliant on coal for its fuel. I explained that fossil fuel has an important future as long as we invest to make coal cleaner.

So in Britain the conversation has largely moved beyond the question of "is this a man made problem?" to trying to find the answer to "what do we do to repair our environment?"

But despite the strong leadership of Governor Huntsman some senior people in Utah are still sincerely and passionately debating the first question. While it is easy to criticise these views, it is more important to try to convince them of ours. Happy to hear your ideas on how it can be done.

Public Diplomacy and climate change on the west coast

2008-07-08T22:44:44+01:00

I was in Los Angeles yesterday and I'm in Salt Lake City today as part of a visit to the USA to launch a book on public diplomacy. Academics, consultants, communicators, diplomats and myself have contributed essays about how governments need to revisit the idea of public diplomacy given the new context we're doing foreign policy in: the challenges of globalisation; the opportunities of new media and IT; and the power of publics and not just governments to deliver change. You can read the book online.

With the launch of the UK's consultation on renewable energy and France's aim to get a Europe wide agreement on renewables during the French Presidency of the EU (in the next 25 weeks), I'm also talking about climate change and low carbon in the west. In the spirit of a new kind of public diplomacy, I talked to policy influencers rather than policy makers in California - like the Climate Registry which is recording and tracking businesses' emissions before federal rules in the US require it - so they're making a difference now. And in Utah I met Governor Huntsman to compare the challenges faced by a state 98% dependent on fossil fuels, and to listen to their plans on how to reshape Utah's economy.

Violence at Pride parades

2008-07-03T12:36:58+01:00

I was very upset to hear the reports of violence at the Pride parades in Prague, Riga and Sofia in the last few weeks, and also very disappointed that pressure from various sources meant the Pride parade in Moldova scheduled for May did not take place. This was in marked contrast to the peaceful Pride held for the first time ever in Delhi on Sunday 29 June.

The FCO is committed to promoting equality and ending the discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people around the world and we've developed a program of skills and information for Embassies and diplomats to help achieve this. We look at where the UK can have a positive effect in providing information on the official British policy on gay rights and instructions in how to provide added value to equality and non-discrimination work. It covers a wide range of issues, from decriminalisation, sexual health, reproductive rights and health education to bilateral work with other countries.

Although we focus work in countries where homosexuality is criminalised, we also monitor the situation across Europe closely. The British Embassies in Warsaw and Riga, for example, were active in helping support and celebrate the diversity, equality and acceptance for all that the Pride events promote. We are also very active in international organisations in promoting our goal of equality for LGBT people in the enjoyment of human rights.

Chevening Reception

2008-07-01T16:22:16+01:00

I'm finally getting the chance to blog about my visit to Edinburgh last week. I attended one of our annual receptions for Chevening scholars, which are held all over the UK.

I met a fascinating group of scholars from a wide range of countries studying at several different Scottish universities, plus one studying at Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Chevening scholarship scheme is important for the FCO and for the UK because it brings to the UK the people who have been identified by our embassies and other overseas posts as the future opinion formers and leaders of their countries.

All the people I met in Edinburgh showed that they have the spark to be the 'changemakers' and to lead their countries into the future. So I send them all my best wishes: for their dissertations in the next few months; and in the longer term for a continuing relationship with the UK.

We will be changing funding in future years to redirect FCO resources into climate change efforts, so competition for places will be even keener, but we do want to do more to keep in touch with alumni through the new Chevening website (www.chevening.com).

After the Final

2008-07-01T14:51:37+01:00

I spent yesterday in Berlin - the day after the German team was beaten by Spain in the Euro 2008 final, and the day before the start of the French Presidency of the EU.

I passed the buses taking the team to meet Mrs. Merkel and hundreds of thousands of supporters. Everyone I met was proud of the German team's performance, though they all agreed that the better side had won. It makes you realise what you miss when none of the home teams qualify for these major football finals, but hopefully it will be different for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

As well as meetings, my friend the German Europe Minister Günter Gloser and I both spoke at a conference called Global Europe: An Anglo-German Agenda . All our relationships in Europe are important, but I left Berlin even more convinced that a continuing strong relationship with Germany is vital if we want to make progress through Europe on things that matter to people in the UK.

French Presidency Preparations 2: planes, trains and automobiles

2008-06-26T16:09:22+01:00

Rich - in answer to your question on 25th: the normal and preferred option from London is to use the Eurostar - simpler, quicker and more environmentally friendly. If I am going to Paris or Brussels from Scotland (where my constituency is) I fly, but any FCO officials attending the same meetings usually use the Eurostar.This week I travelled by Eurostar.

I'm 10 pounds worse off

2008-06-25T17:13:20+01:00

Incidentally for those of you who follow these things I am now £10 worse off and the local bookie is £10 better off as a result of Spain beating Italy in a penalty shoot out last week. I've no idea who will win Euro 2008 now.

Germany and their remarkably reliable team with a couple of exceptional goal scorers; Spain and their high tempo game (although this wasn't much in evidence against Italy); Russia and their young team who seem to get better and more confident with each game; Turkey and their never give up style which has seen them as the competition's comeback kings.

I'll leave the predictions to others.

French Presidency Preparations

2008-06-24T18:43:13+01:00

With just a week to go until the French Presidency of the EU kicks off (and the Slovenians get a well deserved summer break) I'm off to Paris this afternoon to see French Europe Minister Jean Pierre Jouyet. We've spoken by phone over the last couple of weeks, as I have to a number of my European counterparts following the Irish No vote, but it's good to see him face to face, and reinforce the UK's support for the French government's work on climate change, migration policy and European defence.

I left for Paris straight after Oral Questions from MPs to Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers in the House of Commons earlier today. After a debate on the European Council last week, and the PM's statement on it yesterday, it was good to focus on some questions about what the UK and EU are doing to actually help people - tackling human trafficking for example. See what was said in Oral Questions, and other debates in the House of Commons.

Royal Assent

2008-06-19T18:24:15+01:00

I spent this afternoon helping my old school, St Louise's Primary, in Glasgow, to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Just beforehand I received the welcome news that the Bill for the UK to approve the Lisbon Treaty had received Royal Assent. This marks the end of the Parliamentary process, during which the Bill has won support from majorities of both Houses of Parliament.

Having spent much of my time since I became Minister for Europe reading the Treaty, discussing it with officials and explaining it to public, Parliament and press alike, it feels a little strange having it done and dusted (and now an Act of Parliament). With the Irish people having voted 'no' to the Treaty in a referendum I'll still have plenty of work to do as we discuss with the Irish Government and our other European partners where we go from here. ( I discussed this with the Economist in an interview for their Certain Ideas of Europe podcast, yesterday. ) But I am also looking forward to having a bit more time to attend to the rest of my ministerial portfolio - there are a lot of pressing issues including relations with Russia, developments in the Balkans and what I hope will be significant progress in the Cyprus process.

The other recent welcome piece of news was that I won the "Minister of the Year" award last night at a ceremony organised by House magazine (the Parliamentary magazine). The awards are voted on by all MPs and members of the House of Lords from all of the political parties in a secret ballot. I was really pleased even to be nominated to the shortlist. But to win is really lovely. I also "wound up" (summarised) a debate on European Affairs yesterday in the House of Commons and it was a bit of a flashback to the many days spent debating the Treaty. I think my award is also a testament to one of the fine qualities of Parliament - that even when we are debating issues that divide us and generate quite a bit of passion (like the EU) we can still respect each others views.

Visit by President Christofias of Cyprus

2008-06-11T10:36:40+01:00

President Dimitris Christofias and Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou of Cyprus were in London recently for their first official visit to the UK since President Christofias’ election in February. Given the sun that was beaming down on London during their visit, clearly the Cypriots brought some of their eastern-Mediterranean weather with them.

I must admit to being very impressed by President Christofias’ commitment to a settlement and the leadership he has shown since his election earlier this year. This commitment was apparent throughout the visit. Both in the meetings with the Prime Minister, and with the Foreign Secretary and I, we made it clear to President Christofias and Markos Kyprianou that the UK is ready and willing to support the settlement process as best possible, and is fully committed to the establishment of an indivisible Cyprus. The Prime Minister also stressed that the UK wants to work with all parties, to help ensure progress towards a Cyprus settlement that all parties are happy with.

The UK and Cypriot populations could not be closer –every year, more than 8,000 Cypriot students come to study in the UK, and Cyprus is the tourist destination of choice for more than one million Brits. But politically, given our many shared objectives, there are also plenty of areas of potential cooperation between the UK and Cyprus, both in the EU and bilaterally, including subjects like water management, road safety, education and tourism. Both the Foreign Secretary and I made clear throughout our meeting that we are looking forward to a strong partnership with Cyprus, based on friendship and cooperation.

I am very much looking forward to visiting Cyprus in the near future, and meeting, amongst others, the President and Foreign Minister again. My visit will be an opportunity to listen and learn, and explore how best the UK can support the settlement process. Interesting times to come!

Sport - the biggest social movement in Europe

2008-06-10T16:05:10+01:00

This morning I spoke at the Central Council for Physical Recreation (CCPR) Sport Summit at the Oval Cricket Ground, on the issue of Sport and the Lisbon Treaty. We had an interesting conversation about the role Europe should play on Sport. The participants welcomed that the treaty will not allow the EU to harmonise sporting regulations, meaning that sport is one of the many areas of the Treaty where EU input is strictly limited to complementing or adding action taken at EU level.

We also enjoyed an interesting discussion on the wider role of sport in Europe. We agreed that sport plays an important framework in our society. It provides an inspiration for young people, allowing them to develop confidence and learn new skills, become fitter and stronger and have their talent recognised and developed. With over 700,000 sports clubs and associations within the European Union, it is easy to see why the British Olympic Association has described sport as the biggest social movement in Europe.

How do you see Europe's role in promoting sporting development? I'd be interested in your views on this, either here or through my blog on the Sports Summit on the Guardian website. Finally, you will be aware that Euro 2008 is underway, providing another example of the role of sport in bringing communities and nations together. I was able to catch the Holland v Italy match on Monday night - the first game I have seen in the tournament. The Dutch won 3-0 in a convincing victory. But while the Dutch may be celebrating I am not. I wandered into the bookies at home on Saturday to put £10 on who I thought would win. You guessed it - I backed Italy at 7-1. What price an Italian victory now? I should stick to politics.

My meeting with the Pope

2008-05-22T16:51:11+01:00

Yesterday I was in Rome to meet the Ministers in the new Italian government. I also took part in a general audience with the Pope at the Vatican. Wet weather meant that thousands of pilgrims were invited into the Vatican to listen to the Pontiff.

The atmosphere was incredible and unexpected. I had expected a calm and reverential event and was amazed by how wrong I was. It was a wonderfully spiritual occasion but it was more than that. It was a celebration of Faith. It was loud and boisterous. As Pope Benedict named each group of pilgrims they cheered, sang or applauded. The noisiest group were the Polish groups. Some had brought instruments, many waved flags.

I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the Pope at the end of the Audience and spoke to him about international debt and world poverty. It was a wonderful opportunity which I will never forget.