David Lammy’s Diplomatic Crucible: Assessing the Foreign Secretary’s Mettle at the UN and Beyond Amid US Election Tensions

Adam Boulton: Despite his energetic demeanor, is Foreign Secretary David Lammy resilient enough to secure Britain's interests?

The diplomatic skills of the foreign secretary are set to face scrutiny soon at the United Nations General Assembly, and later, during the US presidential elections in the upcoming months.

Sky News pundit @adamboultonTABB

Sunday, September 15, 2024, 2:

Every September, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) holds its yearly meeting, which serves as a global stage for diplomatic interactions, encompassing aspects that are positive, negative, and complex.

World leaders from various governance systems converge on Manhattan Island, accompanied by a diverse mix of lobbyists, technology magnates, and protesters.

The incoming administration of the UK will face close examination in just over a week when it premieres in New York City, headed by Sir Keir Starmer. The Prime Minister is eager to attend, to the extent that he is abbreviating his participation at the Labour conference to travel directly to the US.

Typically, one would expect the British delegation to be a fixture at such events. However, their participation this year is notable for a couple of reasons: firstly, Rishi Sunak opted out of attending the previous year; secondly, the global community is currently evaluating the shift towards the Labour Party and the seemingly restored stability in British politics.

David Lammy, the newly appointed foreign secretary, will accompany the prime minister during sessions at the United Nations General Assembly, continuing his role from last Friday when he joined the government's first trip to the White House.

Stepping into the Oval Office for the first time is a significant occasion for any new British leader, and this visit held extra emotional weight as it served as both an introduction and a farewell to Joe Biden.

Lammy is tasked with being the most visible member of the new government on the global front as it aims to reestablish the UK's international presence. He is embracing this role with enthusiasm.

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Since taking on the role of foreign secretary, he has traveled internationally over twelve times and engaged in forty bilateral discussions with his counterparts in just nine weeks. He plays a significant role in the discussions concerning the ongoing global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine involving Russia and the turmoil in the Middle East.

Following the predictable skepticism and doubt accompanying the UK's departure from the EU, Lammy views his role as the key coordinator for foreign policy, aligning national security with international development, and strengthening the UK's longstanding partnerships with Europe and North America.

His group has adopted the term "relational" to describe his method, and the lively, sociable Lammy is emphasizing the importance of the personal connections he is establishing with his international counterparts.

In August, he traveled to Israel alongside his French counterpart, Stéphane Séjourné, followed by a trip to Kyiv this week with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, after welcoming him at the Foreign Office. He views the initiation of the evolving European security agreement as one of his significant initial accomplishments.

Unlike several of his predecessors as British foreign secretary, Lammy's background seems tailor-made for the role.

First African-British student to enroll at Harvard

Born in Holloway, North London, to parents from Guyana, he grew up in Tottenham with his four siblings under the primary care of their mother. David earned a choral scholarship to King's School in Peterborough and later pursued law at the School of Oriental and African Studies at London University, followed by legal studies at Harvard in the United States, where he became the first black British student at the law school.

He has served as a legal representative in both the US and UK, and has written several books, one of which is "Out Of The Ashes: Britain After The Riots." This book is based on his time as a Member of Parliament for Tottenham during the 2011 riots.

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His intellectual reputation took a hit after a calamitous showing on Celebrity Mastermind, a fact often highlighted by host John Humphreys during his humorous prelude to after-dinner talks. Lammy managed to earn eight points on the topic of Muhammed Ali during the specialist segment, but struggled significantly in the general knowledge round. He missed questions on Marie Curie, the Bastille, The Sopranos, and Stilton cheese, and incorrectly stated that Henry VII succeeded Henry VIII on the throne.

Lammy holds a position as one of the most seasoned ministers within Starmer's squad. He first assumed office as an MP in 2000, succeeding Bernie Grant as the representative for Tottenham, who was among the first black MPs in the UK. Additionally, in that same year, Lammy briefly served on the Greater London Assembly.

Identifies as a conservative on a modest scale

He occupied various lower-level governmental positions during the administrations of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, spanning sectors such as health, culture, business, and education.

A centrist and pro-European who identifies as a conservative of the less radical type, he supported David Miliband instead of his brother Ed, and notably chose to remain on the back benches during Jeremy Corbyn's tenure as leader.

He used his free time to enhance his visibility in the public eye. Between 2019 and 2023, he made £243,000 through external activities, including his role as a presenter on LBC radio, making him the highest-earning Labour MP outside of parliamentary duties.

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Lammy joined Sir Keir Starmer's shadow cabinet in 2020 and ascended to the role of shadow foreign secretary by November 2021. During a speech in May, ahead of the general election, he mentioned that he had nearly three years of experience in preparation for the official position.

He has strong connections to the US, having spent his summer vacations there with family during his childhood, and later pursuing his studies and career in the country.

Lammy is approachable and keen to accommodate, particularly the UK's "nearest and dearest partners." Just last week, Lammy reaffirmed to Secretary Blinken, "The relationship between the UK and the US is extraordinary. It holds personal significance for me and is cherished by countless Brits and Americans alike."

Blinken responded by describing the relationship as "vital".

Members of both the Democratic and Republican parties have expressed their approval of Lammy's "NATO first" approach. During the debate in Washington DC, he aligned himself with the US State Department by supporting significant military assistance for Ukraine, which would involve launching Storm Shadow missiles into Russia.

However, there are critical opinions in the US regarding the UK's present military strength, with observers eager to find out whether the Labour Party will commit to its enhancement.

Explore further: David Lammy and Antony Blinken align on Ukraine. Key insights into the newly appointed Foreign Secretary.

The foreign secretary's decision to impose a ban on a limited amount of the UK's comparatively minor exports to Israel coincided with the funerals of six Gaza hostages killed, sparking outrage in Jerusalem and among Israel's staunchest allies in the US.

Generally vocal, yet aims to connect with others

During a friendly conversation over the phone before the announcement, Blinken inquired of Lammy about the possibility of delaying the bans due to ongoing ceasefire talks. Nevertheless, the plan proceeded without alteration. Supporters of the Gazans have criticized the UK's decision as insufficient and delayed, yet the government maintains that its actions reflect the general sentiment of the British populace.

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Twenty years ago, Lammy formed a friendship with Barack Obama during a legal event at Harvard. Known for being vocal, he has publicly criticized Donald Trump, labeling him a “misogynist, neo-Nazi sympathizer, and a sociopath” and calling him a "serious danger to the global order".

Expecting potential issues if Trump wins the November election again, Lammy, as the shadow foreign secretary, made eight trips to the US to foster relations with the Republicans. He emphasized common Christian beliefs in discussions with Trump's campaign manager Chris LaCivita, and Trump's Senate supporters Lindsey Graham and Eldridge Colby.

He has also engaged with JD Vance, Trump's present choice for vice president, who previously compared the ex-president to Hitler. Lammy mentions he was "moved to tears" when he read Vance's Hillbilly Elegy, as it echoed his own "challenging childhood."

Lammy infuses charisma, drive, and a spirited approach to diplomacy into the somewhat somber demeanor of Starmer’s revamped administration.

He inevitably faces skepticism among his peers in Westminster. Considering his history of speaking his mind, there are concerns that he might push the boundaries too far. Additionally, some doubt his ability to secure the necessary concessions from his allies for Britain's benefit.

The global community is eagerly awaiting the result of the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, which will have significant implications for key positions in Whitehall. The decision on who will be the next British ambassador to the United States is on hold until the winner is determined.

Attention is firmly focused on the dynamic foreign secretary during the UNGA and the challenging months to come – after all, Trump is already mentioning World War Three. Both he and the rest of the world have a lot on the line.

Sir Ed Davey, the head of the Liberal Democrats, is scheduled to appear on "Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips" starting at 8:30 AM today.

This morning at 8:30 AM, Sky News will feature Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Liberal Democrat Sir Ed Davey, and Conservative contender James Cleverly on "Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips."

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