In the radiant sunshine that enveloped Blenheim Palace – Winston Churchill’s birthplace and the meeting place for this Europe Politcal Community (EPC) summit – Britain’s new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, reassured European leaders that the UK would no longer isolate itself. Instead, he said, the UK is now ready to take the lead. Starmer took the opportunity to bask in the glow of improving connections with other European nations, showing strong intentions to mend relations that suffered following the Brexit fallout.
Starmer’s newly-formed Labour government began its charm offensive at the Oxfordshire-based 18th-century estate. This involved praising Ursula von der Leyen for her successful re-election as President of the European Commission and a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron, who was instrumental in establishing the EPC in 2022 as a regional discussion forum separate from the European Union.
Starmer reinforced how the UK is going to shift its global approach, demonstrating the nation’s newfound cooperative spirit with countries like Slovenia and Slovakia, through deals to combat organised crime. He also highlighted the UK’s increased participation in Europol at The Hague, specifically in the European Migrant Smuggling Centre.
Furthermore, Starmer declared that the 45 European national leaders present at the summit had agreed on an £84 million fund for humanitarian projects in Africa and the Middle East to address migration causes. While this may seem like a drop in the ocean, it signifies a considerable change compared to the previous lack of cooperation between Britain and other European countries under the Conservative government. In Starmer’s words, “We have reached out a hand to our European friends.”
The gathering of European leaders wasn’t completely smooth, with tension arising when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticised Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Orban had proposed that Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in 2022, should engage in peace negotiations with the invading forces. Zelenskiy admonished any European figure trying to settle matters behind their back or at another’s expense.
The assembly of leaders, alongside Starmer, developed a plan addressing Ukraine’s energy requirement throughout the winter. Accord was also found on dealing with shipping companies supporting Russia sidestep western penalties.
Senior cabinet officials like Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner backed the prime minister, yet much of the preparatory work was performed by junior ministers Nick Thomas-Symonds and Stephen Doughty. Thomas-Symonds, responsible for the constitution and EU connections, revealed that a major task for the new Labour government is fostering tighter commercial links with EU countries.
Privately, overseas officials involved in the summit’s planning were exceptionally pleased with the event’s results. Particularly noted was the favourable response other leaders gave to Starmer’s diplomatic initiatives. Budget-wise, the event was a success as well, confirming they kept within financial limits.
As the meeting concluded and leaders were escorted from Blenheim Palace in fleets of black cars, the warmth of the day lingered, adding a symbolic touch to Starmer’s endeavour to maintain and bloom his relationships across Europe while he aims to reconstruct Britain’s international reputation.