September 7: Refugees reflect a global failure of foreign policy

They know their gestures will not be called in – they’re trying to shame the PM after the Government’s unconvincing response to this mass exodus of people from North Africa and the Middle East to Europe.

It’s also not just about the numbers games as the Pope calls on every parish to welcome one family into its arms – the latest reports suggest Britain might now accept 15,000 refugees from war-torn Syria. This is a global catastrophe – millions of families could find themselves being displaced – and the evocative images of desperate refugees and asylum seekers marching across Hungary to the border with Austria actually symbolise a failure of global foreign policy.

In many respects, this is also a consequence of the military intervention pursued in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist atrocity 14 years ago this Friday – the bloodshed in Syria, which has created a vacuum that has being ruthlessly exploited by the murderous “Islamic State”, provides as great a challenge to world peace as the Taliban in Afghanistan or Saddam Hussein’s tyrannical regime in Iraq. Yet, judging by the latest reports, the Government is preparing to make the case for air strikes to be launched against Syria and military experts are openly discussing the need for ground troops to be deployed. It seems lost on Ministers that military action might exacerbate the refugee crisis still further.

Moving forward, three things need to happen. First, a better way needs to be found to differentiate between genuine refugees – and those intent on exploiting the West’s benevolence. Gestures need to be underpinned by a strategy for the future before Europe is overwhelmed. Second, there needs to be a sharper focus to Britain’s overseas aid spending. Third, the forgotten concept of diplomacy needs to be revived – whether it be with regard to this crisis or neutralising Isis. This lack of engagement is why the young and old alike are risking their lives on ramshackle boats to flee Syria – it is their last hope.

A history lesson - just what is being taught in schools?

JUST WHAT are children being taught in school history lessons? Not only do a worrying number of pupils seem to be ignorant of iconic events in this country’s more recent history, like the Battle of Britain and D-Day landings, but only half knew that the Queen is head of the Commonwealth.

In a landmark week which will see Her Majesty become the UK’s longest reigning Monarch on Wednesday, it is remiss that more schools have not taken the opportunity to explore the importance of the Commonwealth and the historic changes that have taken place since the Queen acceded to the throne.

In an inter-connected world, why can’t schemes embrace the ‘pen pal’ schemes of the past that enabled young people to correspond with their counterparts in countries like India and Canada? In many respects, the advent of new communications technology, like email, makes this even easier.

Yet this does require a commitment on the part of schools to teach British history which begs this question: Who is responsible for the subject’s apparent diminution? Headteachers – or meddling Ministers in London? Either way, today’s survey is another reminder that history is important to helping pupils improve their understanding of the present – and to prepare for the future. As such, these lessons should not be sacrificed to make way for the latest whims of education’s politically-correct do-gooders who seem embarrassed about this country’s important role in the world.

Too little, too late - dairy response leaves sour taste

MONTHS after the plight of the country’s dairy farmers became clear to all, Environment Secretary Liz Truss has finally put together a plan of action as she prepares to lobby her European counterparts for new rules of engagement. Yet why has it taken so long for the Minister to act? Industry-wide reviews should have begun months ago. By the time they’re concluded, and Defra gets its act together on the issue of ‘country of origin’ labelling for dairy produce, it will be too late for those farmers clinging onto a financial precipice. As such, Ms Truss – who grew up in Leeds – should not be surprised if her belated dairy strategy leaves a very sour taste indeed.