Foreign Secretary David Lammy has declared the UK is “back at the table” as he joined EU counterparts in Luxembourg earlier today.
Following his arrival, Lammy described the occasion as a “historic moment” after he became the first time the Foreign Secretary to attend the council since Liz Truss’ visit in 2022.
The council has primarily planned to discuss issues of security, including Russian aggression in Ukraine and Iran’s actions in the Middle East.
However, Lammy has also seemingly used the meeting as an opportunity to kickstart negotiations on tighter relations between the EU and the UK.
EU ministers wanted to focus on issues of security across the continent, while David Lammy sought to bring the UK closer to the EU
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While speaking to reporters this morning, Lammy said: “UK and Europe’s security is indivisible.
“And at this moment, whether it is the aggression of Russia in Ukraine, the tremendous issues and conflicts in the Middle East, or global affairs or geopolitical affairs more generally, it is hugely important that the UK and Europe remain steadfast and clear.”
The Foreign Office said that Britain’s attendance at the meeting will be part of more “regular engagement” as Sir Keir Starmer hopes to strengthen ties on international affairs and security.
Ahead of his arrival in Luxembourg, the Foreign Secretary said: “This visit is an opportunity for the UK to be back at the table, discussing the most pressing global issues with our closest neighbours and tackle the seismic challenges we all face.”
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Earlier today, the Prime Minister separately held a business investment summit in London, declaring that he wanted the UK to be seen as a “stable, trusted, rule-abiding partner”.
He said: “I see this as a diplomatic necessity and I think it’s clear how much priority I’ve given it in the first 100 days of Government all around the world, whether it’s countries or investors, people want to know that Britain can be a stable, trusted, rule-abiding partner, as we’ve always been.
“But, somehow, during the whole circus that followed Brexit, the last government made a few people less sure of that, needlessly insulting our closest allies, and of course, a few choice Anglo-Saxon phrases for business.
“Well, no more. We turn the page on that.”
Earlier today, Starmer held a business investment summit in London with hundreds of guests, hoping to inspire investment in the UK (Stock image)
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On his previous trip to Brussels earlier this month, Starmer pledged to move past Brexit and build a closer relationship with the EU in policy areas including trade and illegal migration.
In a joint statement, the Prime Minister and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that they would “work closely to address wider global challenges including economic headwinds, geopolitical competition, irregular migration, climate change and energy prices”.
The leaders both stressed that the UK has a “unique relationship” with the EU when it comes to combatting these challenges and strengthening a “structured strategic cooperation”.
Starmer and Von der Leyen will meet again this autumn, with the first of these meetings potentially taking place as early as the beginning of 2025.