As British as fish and chips

The last few months have been one of the most hectic and important in the recent history of the United Kingdom. In quick succession, we have celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, hosted the Olympics and, most recently, the Paralympics. Each one brought alive the images, places, traditions and people of the nation. As Ambassador of a country renowned for understatement, I will venture the opinion that 2012 has gone quite well so far.

Many commentators said the Jubilee reinforced the image of the United Kingdom as a unified country. The Olympics and Paralympics showed that Britain is a generous and efficient host. They have also prompted discussion about how the United Kingdom and her people are perceived around the world.

The United Kingdom’s long history in international affairs dictates that attitudes vary from place to place. Here in the Philippines, people have been telling me that they were surprised by how diverse the United Kingdom has become. The Olympics and Paralympics opening and closing ceremonies had participants and volunteers from almost every background. Yet each one was as British as fish and chips.

Other people have been telling me how surprised they were by Britain’s confidence and creativity. Hosting the games after the fantastic spectacle of Beijing 2008 was a daunting task. London 2012 has been different and peculiarly British. Our musicians and performers made the most of their artistic freedom to put on a show for the world. Classical music was mixed with Mr. Bean. Her Majesty went parachuting with James Bond. The Paralympics and disability went mainstream, with packed stadiums cheering incredible athletic achievement, including by Team Philippines. 

My Government sees a great future for the UK in a new networked world. We are confident and ambitious rather than fearful of the changes underway, particularly the growth and development here in Asia. We see great opportunities to work together with countries like the Philippines. While maintaining our traditional friends and allies, we want to engage more with the emerging powers of the 21st Century. To help do this, we are in the process of opening 11 new embassies and eight consulates or trade offices in developing economies.

Here in the Philippines we have nearly doubled our Embassy staff reflecting the breadth and depth of our relations. We are confident that our partnership can help deliver mutual trade and prosperity. Our growing links are perhaps best represented by the estimated 250,000 Filipinos who currently live, work or study in the UK contributing to our diverse culture and also by the increasing numbers of British businesses and visitors in the Philippines.

The level of surprise is something I intend to fix. This will be the first in a series of columns through which I hope to inform readers about the UK, our role in the world and our partnerships with the Government and people of the Philippines. I hope also to share with you some of what I and my Embassy do as well as provide evidence as to why, as a foreign Ambassador, it really is more fun in the Philippines!

(Stephen Lillie is the British Ambassador to the Philippines.)