Briefing note on conferences in London and Brussels organised by Flint Global and UK in a Changing Europe on 23 and 30 June 2026 State of UK-EU relations The overall tone of the conference was relatively optimistic on the current direction of travel in the post-Brexit relationship. Most speakers agreed that relations have improved significantly […]
Europe enters a dense sequence of summits over the next few weeks, including the G7, European Council, NATO summit and potentially an EU-UK summit, against a backdrop of mounting geopolitical and economic pressure. Managing relations with an increasingly embattled President Trump will be a recurring theme as tensions continue to simmer over Ukraine, Iran, trade, […]
A decade on from the Brexit referendum, after years of recrimination and hard negotiation, the politics around the UK-EU relationship are shifting. The UK Labour government is increasingly framing closer cooperation with the EU as in the UK’s economic and strategic interest, softening some of the political red lines around reintegration - including the recent reported proposal for much deeper alignment on goods trade. The issue has also become more prominent […]
On 3 January, US forces carried out airstrikes and a military operation in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, capturing President Nicolás Maduro who has been in power since 2013. Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed presidential powers as interim President. This US action in Venezuela illustrates Trump’s increased focus on the US sphere of influence in the Western […]
We need to understand how geopolitics is changing the context and priorities for trade. In the nineties and noughties, halcyon days of globalization, I spent seven years in Brussels promoting liberal EU (and UK) trade policies. Now we live in very different times. The pursuit of a more integrated global economy based on comparative […]
Political backdrop Several key themes form the backdrop to this intense diplomatic sequence. On Ukraine, the focus has shifted decisively back to the military track following the unsuccessful US attempt at negotiating a ceasefire. Tensions remain high in the Middle East. An Iran-Israel escalation is a major risk following Israel’s unprecedented strikes against Iran’s nuclear […]
Most governments in Europe had hoped for a Harris victory. Now that Donald Trump has won, they will reach out to him and seek common ground. But they have big concerns. The first is the future of US support for Ukraine, and for European security more broadly. Trump has threatened to cut assistance for Ukraine […]
The US Presidential and Congressional elections will take place on 5th November. The result will have far-reaching consequences globally and could have a significant impact on businesses operating in the US. Electoral dynamics The Presidential election on 5 November is highly likely to be fought between Trump and Biden. The last Republican challenger Nikki Haley […]
The G7 Leaders’ Summit is taking place on 19 – 21 May in Hiroshima, Japan. Economic security and combating economic coercion will be the dominant themes, driven by the US as they push allies to curb dependencies on China. Opposition to Russia and support for Ukraine will be the other main theme. Leaders will discuss a […]
Managing Partner Simon Fraser is joined by guest speaker Sir Lawrence Freedman (Emeritus Professor of War Studies, King's College London) alongside Flint Specialist Partner Sir Julian King (UK EU Commissioner 2016-19) and Partner Sam Lowe (expert in UK and EU trade policy) to take stock of where things stand and discuss how the conflict in Ukraine may evolve in its second year. You […]
2023 looks set to be a transition year for geopolitics. Developments this year will shape the political debate ahead of major electoral events in 2024: the US, Russia, Ukraine and Taiwan will face presidential elections, the UK will in all likelihood hold a General Election, and the EU will hold the European parliament elections. 2023 […]
The last few months have been a whirlwind. With so many moving parts in global politics and economics it is hard to understand, let alone anticipate, events. Back to the future It’s been clear for some time that we have entered a new phase of geopolitics, though we don’t yet have a name for it. […]
Our latest podcast is out! The situation in Ukraine is unfolding rapidly. Listen to Simon Fraser, Julian King, Gregor Kreuzhuber and Sam Lowe discuss what the implications of the war and sanctions will be for business: The Flint Podcast.
We enter 2022 amid great international uncertainty. Covid may be in retreat in the developed world, but not across the globe. High debt and inflation will make delivering on climate promises hard. Serious political and military tension has flared between Russia and the West over Ukraine. The China/US standoff persists. America is divided and Biden […]
In the aftermath of the final deal at COP26 our experts provide analysis of the deal itself, as well as what it means for the domestic and international agenda on climate change in the months and years ahead. Flint Partner Kiran Horwich chairs a discussion between Flint Partner Josh Buckland (Former adviser to the Business Secretary on energy and […]
The Integrated Review was billed as a radical overhaul of British foreign and security policy after Brexit. There are some important innovations, but much of it is sensible repackaging or reprioritisation of current policy in response to the acceleration of existing trends. Some hyperbole was inevitable; Britain is to be a “science superpower”, a “soft […]
With the landmark climate summit COP26 happening in November, climate action and climate change policy at a domestic and international level is set to accelerate materially in 2021. Government is developing a series of major changes to the financial, policy and regulatory environment to drive down emissions across the entire economy and show global climate […]
"If you want to build the relationship with the EU, you have to start by getting the support of the major EU member states, including Germany. The French and Spanish have said they would be open to the UK rejoining the EU. There's a very long road to travel"
"Our objective must be to maintain a cordial relationship with the President, and not to throw away the vital assets of the relationship by being drawn into confrontation unnecessarily. But that does not mean that we have to slavishly agree with American policy on all issues."
Listen from 47:30 to hear Flint Founding Partner Simon Fraser discuss how, while international crises are nothing new, the relationships and systems traditionally used to manage them have shifted and eroded—notably due to the behaviour of the US.
Will Europe warm to Britain's new Prime Minister? Listen to Flint Founding Partner Simon Fraser on POLITICO's Brussels Playbook Podcast where he discussed whether Andy Burnham can reset relations with Brussels after a decade of Brexit fallout alongside former French defence minister Sylvie Boulard.
Listen to Flint Founding Partner Simon Fraser on LBC following the appointment of new PM Andy Burnham, discussing foreign policy, devolution, and the leadership ahead.
"Despite the reservations that have been voiced, we should welcome the fact that we appear to be getting this agreement now, because it is in all our interests that it happens." Speaking to Times Radio, Flint Founding Partner Sir Simon Fraser discussed the latest diplomatic developments and the importance of supporting efforts to de-escalate tensions […]
Watch Flint Founding Partner Simon Fraser at the Delphi Economic Forum discussing the UK’s evolving relationship with Europe, highlighting the growing focus on practical cooperation with the EU – from security and defence to energy and wider geopolitical challenges.
“The best we can hope for if these negotiations go ahead is that they constitute the beginning of a process which can be kept in place and allows both sides to continue to de-escalate. There are some grounds for cautious optimism because the signs are that this is what both sides prefer”
“There’s an instinctive and deeply structured relationship between the military, intelligence agencies and diplomats that carries on. There’s a huge amount of ballast in that relationship, so the ship will right itself. But, nevertheless, it’s challenging.”
Founding Partner Simon Fraser shares here on CNN his experience of managing civilian evacuations from crisis situations in the Middle East. Hear his insight on the diplomatic, logistical and security challenges that governments and businesses face.
“Keir Starmer is treading a fine line. He doesn’t want to criticise the US, but he doesn’t want to fully endorse the US and Israeli action. The halfway house agreement of allowing the US to use UK bases for defensive operations is difficult to communicate. On the substance, the posture the British government has taken […]
“We’re not saying that we agree with China or that we share the values of China, but we have to find a relationship with China which allows us to pursue our national interests. This is the first prime ministerial visit in eight years. You can’t expect huge results on day one…they are broadly positive and […]
“It’s sensible for the Prime Minister to be visiting China. We need a sophisticated relationship. We don’t have to agree with China but we do need to deal with China. We should be aiming for pragmatic and careful policy.”- Listen from 24:25
“We are breathing a sigh of relief this morning… So that's good news. But it's too soon to bring out the champagne because we don't know yet what the framework is, what the terms of the negotiation are going to be and whether it will be successful.” Simon Fraser on Sky News discussing the latest […]
“The threat from President Trump is quite astonishing against European allies. It's a sort of predatory behaviour, which is difficult to respond to." Founding Partner Simon Fraser discussing the escalating US tariff threats over Greenland. Listen from 01:12:45
“I’m sure that the Americans are considering options for what they would call ‘kinetic action’ in Iran, but they have to think very carefully about what that might involve and the consequences.” Flint Founding Partner Simon Fraser speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, analysing the options and wider implications of potential US action in […]
Simon Fraser on Times Radio with Adam Boulton and Mark Urban discussing how national security has become increasingly politicised in recent years. Listen from 38.00.
Simon Fraser on Sky News discussing the EPC and its growing role on defence and migration and the opportunities for Keir Starmer to take a leading role. Listen from 08.30 onwards.
“It’s really important for the British government that they aren’t seen to be appearing to agree with President Trump on everything. On issues like freedom of speech, what’s happening in Gaza, and our views on Ukraine, the prime minister has to make clear our position is differentiated from the American one but do it constructively.” […]
Founding Partner Simon Fraser tells Sarah Montague, "the security guarantee is an important element, but it's only one element of the package. First of all, we need a ceasefire and it has to be a verifiable and verified ceasefire, then a negotiation of territory between Russia and Ukraine, and then part of a broader set […]
“It’s a complicated deal, on a complicated agenda, with complicated politics on both sides. So it doesn’t lend itself to simplistic judgements.” Flint Founding Partner Simon Fraser told Richard Quest on CNN.
Ahead of the UK-EU Summit, Founding Partner Simon Fraser tells Bloomberg TV that "but both sides need this to be a success in the new geopolitical context we face".
Founding Partner Simon Fraser argues that the time has come for the UK to invest more in relations with European and other middle power democracies, a strategic route away from over-dependence on a changing America.
“What Europe needs to do is go back to Washington and say here is what we are offering, and this is what we need" Flint Founding Partner Simon Fraser discussing the British government's announcement to increase defence spending ahead of Keir Starmer's visit to see Trump last week.
"The UK government are reaching out to say "we share your objective on a ceasefire and we want to help you do it". But we need some skin in the game here to influence American policy, which is still at the level of headlines and rather than detail." Flint Founding Partner Simon Fraser discussing the […]
“We have to accept that America’s foreign policy is changing. The priorities of that policy and the way its conducted follow a power-based approach, and that does affect the relationship with Europe. It would be unwise to bury our head in the sand and think this is all going to go away. The events of […]
Former foreign office permanent under-secretary and Flint Founding Partner Simon Fraser says the idea of putting British troops on Ukrainian soil is 'potentially very risky, and it would depend on the nature of the deal'.
In this recent interview with Civil Service World, Flint Founding Partner, Simon Fraser, former head of the UK Foreign Office, discusses his experience of leaving the highest levels of the Civil Service to found a new business – and what it taught him.
Founding Partner Simon Fraser speaks to John Pienaar on Times Radio about Trump and his remarks about the Middle East. Listen from 01:17:25 to 01:23:16
“The challenge for Britain is how do we advance our own interest - working with the world as it is without abandoning our principles and the values that matter to us.” Flint Founding Partner Simon Fraser discussing #Trump on BBC radio four.
“If you stand back and look at the issues, Mandelson is very well qualified; he’s a big political hitter, well-connected in our government, and I think that’s what we need with the Trump administration.” Flint Founding Partner Simon Fraser told BBC Today. time stamp 2.22.50 - 2.28.10
“What businesses want is clarity, stability and predictability in the political and economic environment they are operating in.” Flint's founder Simon Fraser speaking to TimesRadio ahead of the UK government’s #globalbusinesssummit
Managing Partner Simon Fraser discusses the UK government reshuffle with Isa Soares, including Suella Braverman’s departure and David Cameron’s return.
“In the great power competition between the US and China the weapons of choice are economic”. Flint managing partner Simon Fraser explains in the Financial Times why business deserves deeper insight from government on security threats.
Listen to Flint Managing Partner Simon Fraser, former head of the Foreign Office, discussing the situation in #Ukraine, the risks of military intervention, and longer term consequences with @ShelaghFogarty on LBC radio on 27th June. [1:06.00]
Sir Simon Fraser speaks with George Parker on the difficult situation in Sudan.“There is a crisis centre in the foreign office and it brings together people from across the whole government - MOD, the Foreign Office, the police and others - working in one room around the clock. But again, you’re dealing with difficult circumstances […]
Managing Partner Simon Fraser appeared on BBC News The Context on 26 April where he spoke about Ukraine’s expected counteroffensive against Russia and the importance of maintaining Western support for Ukraine. Watch from minute 34:23 until 42:12.
Managing Partner Simon Fraser appeared on BBC News The Context on 26 April to discuss the situation in Sudan and the difficult decisions involved in crisis management. Watch the segment on Sudan from minute 14 and Simon's response from minute 18:47.
Listen here to Flint Managing Partner Sir Simon Fraser, former head of the UK Foreign Office, discussing the difficult decisions involved in crisis management in #Sudan with Shelagh Fogarty on LBC radio on Tuesday 24th April.
Managing Partner Sir Simon Fraser and former head of the UK Foreign Office on Times Radio discusses the complexities of the evacuation process in Sudan. Listen from 2:07:59 for the segment on Sudan and from 2:11:21 until 2:19:42 to hear Sir Simon's response.
Managing Partner Sir Simon Fraser and former head of the UK Foreign Office discussed on BBC Newscast the difficult decisions involved in crisis management in Sudan.
Flint Managing Partner, Sir Simon Fraser quoted in the New York Times about the Jersey fishing rights dispute. “This is the kind of old-fashioned dispute that the European Union was created to prevent...When you leave the European Union, you risk reopening them.”
Flint Managing Partner Simon Fraser talked to Sky News on the Jersey fishing rights dispute: “I thought the temperature of discussions on post Brexit disagreements was getting better and difficulties were being addressed. This shows that there are still many unresolved issues, particularly in fisheries. For fishing communities Brexit is lose, lose on both sides. It is the […]
Flint Managing Partner Simon Fraser talked to Shiulie Ghosh on TRT World Roundtable yesterday about the UK Integrated Review of foreign policy. “This review is a credible attempt at starting to define Global Britain. There is a lot of interesting thinking in it. The idea of integrating domestic and international policy, and bringing science and technology closer […]
We are pleased to announce that Flint’s Managing Partner, Sir Simon Fraser, has been appointed to the UK board of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) along with Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, Vindi Banga and Harry Matovu. Read the full article here.
We are pleased to announce that Flint’s Managing Partner, Sir Simon Fraser, has been appointed to the UK board of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) along with Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, Vindi Banga and Harry Matovu. Announcing these appointments, the ICC said they demonstrate their appetite to shape the trade agenda as a lead organisation […]
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we interviewed Roos van Gent, a Consultant in Flint’s London office, who leads the Women at Flint network. The network was set-up in January 2020 and aims to make Flint an inclusive and good place to work for everyone. When did you launch Women at Flint and what prompted you […]
Flint Managing Partner, Simon Fraser talked to Times Radio breakfast about how the entire Indian delegation in the UK for the G7 talks had to self-isolate after two Covid cases were detected.
In this episode, Flint experts examine the outlook for US–Iran talks following the fragile ceasefire, and the broader geopolitical and economic implications of the evolving Middle East conflict. They explore potential scenarios for the ceasefire and negotiations, the regional impact across the Gulf and beyond, the effects on energy markets and the global economy, and […]
05 Mar, 2026
Middle East conflict: what scenarios should business prepare for?
The conflict with Iran is entering a more dangerous and unpredictable phase, with consequences extending far beyond the Middle East. In this episode, Flint experts assess how the crisis could evolve in the short to medium term, the prospects for leadership and governance in Iran, and the implications for global trade and the wider economy.
03 Oct, 2024
Crisis in the Middle East: what next and what does it mean for business?
Almost exactly a year after the Hamas attack triggered the crisis in Gaza, Israel’s land incursion into Southern Lebanon on 30 September opened a new phase of conflict in the Middle East. Iran and Hezbollah have suffered major blows in the past few days, with Israel demonstrating the superiority of its military and intelligence services. […]
The first half of 2024 has seen several major international elections. Outwardly, international politics after these elections looks reasonably unchanged. In addition, the situation in Ukraine has to some extent stabilised, there has been no major conflagration in the Middle East, and the temperature has been controlled between the US and China. But beneath the […]
In this podcast, our experts discuss the prospects ahead in 2024 as the military position of Ukraine worsens and the challenges to European security grow starker. We examine the situation on the ground, the military and political drivers of the conflict in 2024, how Western support will be affected by the US and EU elections […]
02 Feb, 2024
Unpacking Labour Business Conference – the Flint de-brief
In this episode, our experts review Labour’s Business Conference which was held on the 1st of February. They examine the key announcements from Labour Leader Keir Starmer and the Shadow Cabinet. Our experts also look at Labour’s policy programme, its strategy for the general election, and what all of this means for a potential future […]
This podcast is part of our Flint briefing series on the Israel-Hamas crisis and will offer listeners our analysis of developments in the conflict, the risks of escalation, diplomatic activity and the potential wider international consequences. Our previous call on 'The wider implications of the Hamas attack on Israel' can be found here. The conflict […]
17 Oct, 2023
The wider implications of the Hamas attack on Israel
Hamas‘ attack on Israel on Saturday is a very serious political, geopolitical, and psychological shock. The situation on the ground is still developing. There will be further violence, and the attack will have widespread and enduring implications – for Israel, the wider region and global politics. In this podcast, Flint Partner Alex White hosts a discussion on […]
In the second instalment of Geopolitics for Business, Flint director and former Australian diplomat Katie Whitting chairs a panel of Flint experts to discuss the outcome of the recent BRICS summit; they debate the significance of enlargement of the BRICS, whether China can succeed in turning this group into a counterweight to the G7, and what these […]
14 Jul, 2023
#1: The NATO Summit and the Future of European Security
In our first episode, we discuss the outcomes of the NATO summit that was held on 11 and 12 July in Vilnius, Lithuania. Flint Director and former French diplomat Francois-Joseph Schichan hosts the discussion between this month’s guests:
Managing Partner Simon Fraser is joined by guest speaker Sir Lawrence Freedman (Emeritus Professor of War Studies, King's College London) alongside Flint Specialist Partner Sir Julian King (UK EU Commissioner 2016-19) and Partner Sam Lowe (expert in UK and EU trade policy) to take stock of where things stand and discuss how the conflict in Ukraine may evolve in its second year. You […]
