Foreign Secretary David Lammy has met with EU counterparts in Luxembourg to discuss plans to reset UK relations with the Brussels bloc.
Lammy, who campaigned tirelessly for a second referendum on EU membership, was snapped grinning after he declared the UK is “back at the table”.
The Tottenham MP became the first Foreign Secretary to attend the meeting since Liz Truss jetted over to the continent in the wake of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
EU bigwigs were primarily planning to discuss security issues, including about the ex-Soviet state and tensions 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.
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.”
Ahead of his arrival in Luxembourg, the Foreign Secretary added: “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.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Keir Starmer PASir Keir Starmer had vowed to keep the UK out of the Single Market and Customs Union ahead of the 2024 General Election.
Despite the Prime Minister’s pledge, Eurosceptic remain wary about Labour signing the UK up for a travel arrangement with the Brussels bloc for people aged under 30.
No10 rejected the suggestion, with Starmer instead insisting a “reset” does not mean a reversal of Brexit.
Speaking in Berlin in August, Starmer said: “That does not mean reversing Brexit or re-entering the Single Market or Customs Union.
Robert JenrickPA“But it does mean a closer relationship on a number of fronts, including the economy, including defence, including exchanges.”
Concern about Starmer seeking closer alignment with the Brussels bloc returned last autumn after the then-Leader of the Opposition revealed Labour did not want to diverge from the EU.
He said: “Actually, we don’t want to diverge, we don’t want to lower standards, we don’t want to rip up environmental standards, standards for people that work, food standards and all the rest of it.”
Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick vowed to take the Brexit fight to Starmer if he defeats Kemi Badenoch on November 2.
In a leaked recording shared with GB News, the ex-Immigration Minister said: “We’ve got to use our time now in opposition to hold Keir Starmer to account if he tries to increase our alignment with the EU.”
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