In conversation with Jeremy Hunt MP: Britain's place in the world

Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government

Institute for Government

News, Politics, Government

4.6 • 252 Ratings

🗓️ 10 June 2025

⏱️ 32 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Britain has been through a difficult period since the global financial crisis, leading many to conclude the country is doomed to inevitable decline. But Jeremy Hunt, who was at the top of government as both Foreign Secretary and Chancellor, disagrees. In his new book, Can We Be Great Again?, he sets out to rebut those who think Britain is no longer capable of shaping the world we live in. With the election of president Trump, a world that was already becoming more dangerous has also become more unpredictable. But when it comes to the big challenges facing the world – whether on European security, the future of democracy, migration, trade and climate – the UK remains one of the most influential countries and should, Hunt says, use that influence wisely. Hunt does not shy away from the UK’s weaknesses but argues that they should be considered in perspective and without underestimating this country’s many strengths. To discuss his new book and the questions it raises, Jeremy Hunt was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Delighted that we're here today to help Jeremy launch his latest book, which everyone
0:06.1	who's here will have the opportunity to buy after the event.
0:10.5	Obviously, Jeremy needs very little introduction.
0:14.8	Since I first met him as a new MP when I was running the International Development Committee,
0:19.7	he has gone on to even greater things.
0:23.6	And I was obviously held four cabinet roles, including two of the great offices of state.
0:29.5	And it's that experience that he's gathered in those roles in government, which he's bringing to bear in this book,
0:35.7	which I think the overall, having looked at the
0:40.3	overall point is to try to rebut that sense that some people have the argument that some
0:47.0	people make that, you know, Britain is in decline, and it's no longer capable of shaping
0:51.6	the world about it.
0:53.8	So as Jeremy said, I'm going to ask him some questions,
0:57.0	and then there'll be an opportunity for everyone in the room to ask some questions.
1:01.0	And we also have a wonderful slide-o system,
1:04.0	so anyone who's watching online can send in their questions,
1:09.0	and I will pick those. If you're watching us online, you want to
1:13.5	send in a question, if you'd like to tell us who you are, that would be great so that we know
1:16.5	who's asking the questions. So I just wanted to kick off, hopefully, with an easy one. I'm interested
1:22.5	in the sort of process of writing the book. So you said just now that it took you four years.
1:29.3	Did you end up where you started? No, I didn't actually. The book started because when I became foreign secretary,
1:38.7	you have this incredible huge office, you know, almost the size of a tennis court. It's like working in the reading
1:46.6	room of the British Museum. It's far more impressive than the Prime Minister's office. And
	...

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