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As minister, David Rutley said he promoted 'Global Britain' across the Americas
Summary
Rutley described his ministerial duties promoting trade, democracy and environmental cooperation across the Americas and offered an anecdote illustrating relationship-building in diplomacy.
David Rutley described his time in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, where he served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for the Americas, as one of the most fulfilling parts of his public service career.
Rutley said the post involved visits to multiple countries and states to showcase “Global Britain” after Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. He described priorities including democratic support, trade, environmental cooperation and security. “We wanted to help them with trade. We wanted to help them with, the environment… and also in terms of security,” he said.
To illustrate the role of personal relationships in diplomacy, Rutley recounted meeting a Latin American leader who had once played in a Rolling Stones tribute band. Rutley said his team brought a large Rolling Stones compendium to the meeting; the leader opened it and quipped, “it's only rock and roll, but I like it,” a moment Rutley used to show how small gestures can smooth diplomatic engagement.
Rutley closed the forum by stressing the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States and urging students to “stay close to the Brits” as the countries navigate turbulent times.
