Roundtable with Alistair Burt, FCO Minister on The Middle East, Arab Spring and Libya

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:00 in Discussion Forums

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Alistair Burt MP

Where: Dialogue Society, London
With: Mr Alistair Burt, Minister, Foreign Commonwealth Office

Summary

The Dialogue Society was proud to host FCO Minister Alistair Burt for a fascinating discussion on the Middle East, the Arab Spring and Libya. Mr Burt explored the differences and parallels between the various uprisings of the “Arab Spring”, and the role that other countries, such as the UK, can appropriately play as the situations develop. His presentation also looked at the conditions required to reach a solution in the Middle East and at the action of the international community in Libya. A distinguished group of politicians, civil servants, academics and NGO workers engaged in a lively discussion. Issues raised included the UK’s accountability for previous dealings with oppressive regimes, the recent review of the Government’s “Prevent” agenda and the need for government support for diaspora communities wishing to contribute to the development of their countries of origin.

Biography of Alistair Burt

Positions held

Member of Parliament for Bury North, 1983 – 1997
Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for the Environment, for Education and Science and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, 1985 -1990
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State then Minister of State, Department of Social Security, 1992 – 1997
Member of Parliament for North East Bedfordshire, 2001 - present
Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition, 2002 – 2005
Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government 2005 – 2008
Opposition Assistant Chief Whip, 2008 – 2010
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, May 2010 - present

Responsibilities