Valdai Club

Brexit is happening because the UK cannot support deeper domestic and fiscal integration in Europe  which would lead to some kind of confederal system with a single currency, open borders and, possibly, a European Army.

The crisis with North Korea over its nuclear weapons programme is often compared to the similar confrontation the international community had with Iran. It would be encouraging if we could expect a similar outcome.

It is very unlikely that the Government will abandon its decision that Britain should leave the EU internal market.The Conservative achievement has ensured that the Scottish Nationalists will drop their demand for a second referendum on Scottish independence. Thanks to this General Election the threat to the very existence of the United Kingdom has now disappeared for the foreseeable future.

When the great powers make claims or demands which are manifestly unrealistic or incredible they reduce their own authority and make the resolution of international crises far more difficult. They should resist the temptation to do so.

The United Kingdom and the Russian Federation have important shared interests. If trust between their leaders and with the leaders of Europe and North America, can be restored much will be achieved to the benefit of our peoples and countries as a whole.