LONDON, England: Newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to embark on his first major diplomatic tour, beginning with a visit to Washington for the NATO 75th anniversary summit.
This marks Starmer’s debut on the global stage following his landslide election victory and his appointment as Prime Minister.
At the summit, Starmer will reiterate the UK’s unwavering support for NATO and Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. His visit signals the start of an intense period of international diplomacy, with the UK hosting a European leaders’ conference the following week.
Starmer’s trip to Washington aims to bolster the UK-US special relationship, emphasizing continuity in foreign policy and reinforcing commitments to NATO.
Starmer’s foreign policy approach appears consistent with his predecessor’s, as he pledges to maintain robust support for Ukraine. His Defence Secretary, John Healey, and Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, have already visited Ukraine and European NATO members, respectively, showcasing the UK’s ongoing commitment. Labour intends to match the previous government’s promise to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, exceeding NATO’s target of 2%.
Starmer’s trip also aims to reset and improve relations with European allies strained by Brexit. Labour has vowed to enhance cooperation with European neighbors through bilateral deals and agreements with the EU. This effort to build stronger, more stable, and predictable relations is a key focus of Starmer’s foreign policy.
In Washington, Starmer will meet with US President Joe Biden to reinforce the UK-US special relationship. With the UK’s Labour Party and the US Democratic Party sharing similar values, the meeting could fortify transatlantic ties. However, the upcoming US presidential election poses a potential challenge, as Starmer may have to navigate a changing political landscape if Donald Trump returns to office.
A possible area of disagreement between Starmer and Biden could be their stances on the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Labour generally viewed as more pro-Palestinian compared to the US administration. Additionally, discussions are expected on policies towards China, focusing on trade, commerce, and technology.
Following his US visit, Starmer will host the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace. This event will feature key European leaders, including France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Labour aims to negotiate an ambitious security pact with the EU, enhancing post-Brexit cooperation.
These summits provide Starmer an opportunity to detail his foreign policy proposals and solidify the UK’s role on the global stage. His diplomatic engagements will set the tone for the UK’s international relations, showcasing his commitment to continuity and collaboration amidst a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
