Newly released archives have uncovered a diplomatic rift between the UK and Australia in 1999, when Canberra allegedly pressured then-Prime Minister Tony Blair to avoid meeting an Indigenous delegation during their visit to Britain.
The documents, obtained by The Guardian, show Australian officials warned the UK government that the delegation—representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities—were "troublemakers" who could "cause embarrassment."
Behind-the-scenes lobbying
According to the files, Australian diplomats actively discouraged Downing Street from engaging with the group, which was advocating for Indigenous rights. The delegation had planned to highlight issues including land rights and systemic discrimination during their UK visit.
One memo from the Australian High Commission stated: "We would strongly advise against any high-level meetings that might lend credibility to their campaign."
Blair's response
While it remains unclear whether Blair ultimately met with the delegation, the documents reveal the UK government carefully considered Australia's request. Internal correspondence shows British officials debated how to handle the situation without appearing dismissive of Indigenous concerns.
The revelations have sparked fresh debate about the influence of foreign governments on UK policymaking and the historical treatment of Indigenous rights in international diplomacy.
