The Tories wrecked the UK’s relationship with Africa. Now Labour must revive it

‘David Lammy’s utterances point to a fundamental appreciation that the rules of global politics have been rewritten.’ Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

When Britain’s new foreign secretary made his inaugural statement, one line stood out. David Lammy said the Labour government would “reset” Britain’s approach to the climate crisis, Europe and, intriguingly, the “global south”.

This would mark a considerable change. Conservative-led governments all but ignored the growing importance of Africans on the global stage over the past 14 years, and they consistently underestimated the contribution of African migrants to the UK’s economy. Foreign and domestic policies didn’t yield strong trade ties or security partnerships. All of this diminished Britain’s standing on the continent.