Swine Flu and Solidarity

While much uncertainty still surrounds the current swine flu outbreak, the episode does highlight the importance of key values and policies the Labour Party has long championed. Foremost, the pandemic reconfirms the interconnected nature of our global society. Countries, and their own peculiar problems, do not exist in isolation from the rest of the world. Consequently, international institutions able to coordinate action, share information, and make collective decisions are vital for protecting humanity from threats ranging from influenza to climate change. We are fortunate that this outbreak comes in the aftermath of the SARS and avian flu scares; as a result, frameworks for cooperation already exist and function. Disengagement and isolationism, be they from the European Union or any number of bodies, would stifle such frameworks' effectiveness in crises. Time is of the essence, as the tragic deaths in Mexico demonstrate. If Britain were forced to cooperate internationally on an ad hoc basis, a Tory goal in relation to Europe especially, we would lack the means necessary to address and prepare for collective threats before they develop. Dealing with problems after they arise, outside of functioning international bodies, is simply not an option.

This government has placed global solidarity at the forefront of its foreign policy. David Miliband, addressing a Fabian audience at last year's party conference, stressed the importance of a progressive values-based foreign policy that seeks to alleviate poverty and underdevelopment worldwide. He reminded that cutting global poverty is good in its own right, while also serving to make Britain more secure. Problems that start in the developing world do not end there, even piggybacking on holidaymakers' flights home. Hopefully, the swine flu outbreak will also remind us of unfortunate realities. While thousands of deaths from malaria go daily unnoticed by many in wealthy countries, swine flu gets our attention for its direct threat to us, even if it will probably disproportionately impact poor countries. Death from pandemic disease may be a nightmare prospect for Britons; for millions of people worldwide it is merely a fact of life. Strong government commitment to cutting global poverty by working bilaterally, through the aid 'powerhouse' of the EU, and via the UN and its Millennium Development Goals, is an ethical mandate and a pragmatic necessity. The government is to be commended for its stance, which serves to strengthen British and global security and well-being. If this outbreak teaches us anything, it should be that these commitments cannot lag whatever the political vicissitudes of the day.

Comments

[Amanda]

Cheers!

[Kristle]

Well said!

[Christy]

I concur.