This blog post was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

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Peter Millett

Ambassador to Libya, Tripoli

Part of UK in Jordan

31st October 2011

It’s good to talk

I attended a presentation on nuclear safety last week which discussed the prospects for nuclear energy in Jordan. The debate got a bit heated at times, demonstrating the strong feelings that the nuclear issue raises, not only in Jordan, but world-wide. The fact that the debate took place at all was good and it will no doubt continue.

The  main message I took away from the discussion was a much wider one: people are hungry for debate as a way to participate in decision-making. Political and economic issues have an impact – direct or indirect – on people’s lives. So reasoned, objective and open debate is an important tool for governments to persuade people that their policy choices are the right ones. And open debate is a basic way for all governments to guarantee freedom of expression.

His Majesty King Abdullah has himself underlined the importance of accepting a range of views through free and open expression. In his speech at the opening of Parliament last week he emphasised the need to respect civil liberties and directed the government to provide a safe environment to guarantee the responsible exercise of freedom of expression.

This freedom of expression means that disagreeing with someone, even someone in authority, does not mean that you are disloyal. Respect for other people’s views is a fundamental principle for democratic societies. So criticism is healthy and should be welcomed. It should not lead to accusations of disloyalty.

In the United Kingdom, we have developed the concept of “The Loyal Opposition”. This might sound like a contradiction in terms, but it is a vital aspect of the way our political system works. It means that the minority party in Parliament takes it upon itself to criticise what the government is doing. They oppose the government, but are loyal to the nation. They thereby keep the governing party or coalition on its toes, questioning the validity of their policies and presenting an alternative view. This way of operating is accepted as a valuable contribution to the policy process. Indeed, the great Victorian Prime Minister Disraeli said that “No government can be long secure without a formidable opposition.”

On the other hand, once accusations of disloyalty, subversion or treason creep into the political process consensus building becomes much harder. Those who offer objective comment on government policy should not have their motives questioned. More often than not, such people simply want the same as the rest of their countrymen: a secure and prosperous nation. Disagreeing with policy should therefore be regarded as healthy and constructive, not an opportunity to trade insults.

One of the wisest statements I have found on this question came from His Majesty the late King Hussein: “We respect opposition to any position or policy. But we believe that the opinion that should prevail and be respected is that of the majority.”

About Peter Millett

Peter arrived in Tunis on 23 June 2015 to take up his post as Ambassador to Libya. Previously he was British Ambassador to Jordan from February 2011 to June 2015. He was High Commissioner to…

Peter arrived in Tunis on 23 June 2015 to take up his post as
Ambassador to Libya.
Previously he was British Ambassador to Jordan from February 2011 to June 2015.
He was High Commissioner to Cyprus from 2005 – 2010.
He was Director of Security in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
from 2002-2005, dealing with all aspects of security for British
diplomatic missions overseas.
From 1997-2001 he served as Deputy Head of Mission in Athens.
From 1993-96 Mr Millett was Head of Personnel Policy in the FCO.
From 1989-93 he held the post of First Secretary (Energy) in the UK
Representative Office to the European Union in Brussels, representing
the UK on all energy and nuclear issues.
From 1981-1985 he served as Second Secretary (Political) in Doha.
Peter was born in 1955 in London.  He is married to June Millett and
has three daughters, born in 1984, 1987 and 1991.  
His interests include his family, tennis and travel.