New British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for closer cooperation in Europe to increase support for Ukraine and to tackle the continent's most pressing problems: illegal migration, climate change and energy security, reports "Reuters".< /p>
Opening a meeting of the European political community of more than 40 countries at Blenheim Palace - the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Starmer made his request to restart relations with the European Union after Brexit.
He distanced himself from the previous Conservative government, which threatened to withdraw from an international human rights treaty.
"Under my leadership Britain will be a friend and partner ready to work with you, not part of the European Union but very much part of Europe," Starmer assured on the occasion of Britain leaving the EU after a 2016 referendum .
"United by our determination to defend shared values and sure of what we can achieve together," he told other leaders in the European Political Community, a group separate from the EU created after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
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The one-day meeting gives Britain's new leader another opportunity to push for closer defense cooperation, especially ahead of the eventual election of Donald Trump as president, who, along with his new vice-presidential running mate, J. D. Vance argues that Europe must do more to protect its own security.
Two weeks after winning the election in a landslide and having just returned from his first international appearance at a NATO meeting in Washington as prime minister, Starmer took to the international stage again, calling on Europe to do more to support Ukraine against Russia.
"So our first task here today is to reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine," he stressed.
Starmer is determined to restore ties with the EU after Brexit sparked years of discontent. However, he does not see Britain rejoining the single market or customs union in his lifetime.
European leaders have generally welcomed Starmer's plans for defense cooperation. French President Emmanuel Macron responded: "This is a great opportunity for a restart.
Sunak's decision to call a snap election on July 4 gave Starmer the opportunity to use NATO and the European political community to advance early talks, or at least set the mood for friendlier ties.
The leaders are expected to discuss energy security, safeguarding democracy and migration at Blenheim Palace.
Perhaps most important to Starmer, however, is developing personal relationships with other leaders - something he says is essential to the way he works to achieve the best results.