Former French president François Hollande has urged Sir Keir Starmer to position himself as a European leader from outside the EU as concerns grow over Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
The ex-French leader stressed that Starmer is “in a favourable position” which he needs to capitalise on for both UK and European benefit.
“Keir Starmer needs to position himself as a European leader, while not being in the European Union. This is what he must sell to the British public,” Hollande said following an event at Kings College London.
Hollande warned that cooperation between the UK and EU would be crucial in responding to potential challenges from Trump’s return.
Former French president François Hollande has urged Sir Keir Starmer to position himself as a European leader from outside the EU as concerns grow over Donald Trump’s return to the White House
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Speaking to The Times, the former French president cautioned that Trump “only understands relationships based on strength.”
He said that Britain and the EU need each other to address Trump’s “offensive” and find solutions for conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The comments come amid growing concerns about the impact of Trump’s campaign promises, including plans to impose 20 per cent tariffs on all US imports.
For Chinese imports, Trump has proposed an even steeper 60 per cent levy.
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Hollande, who served as French president from 2012 to 2017, left office with low popularity after a term marked by economic challenges and personal controversies.
He currently serves as an MP in the French parliament and is considering another presidential bid when Emmanuel Macron’s term ends in 2027.
His latest comments come as Starmer faces pressure over a potential youth mobility scheme with the EU, despite his stated opposition to such an arrangement.
The European Council has scheduled discussions on this matter for Friday.
Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has warned about Brexit’s economic impact while emphasising the need to rebuild relations with Brussels.
The ex-French leader stressed that Starmer is “in a favourable position” which he needs to capitalise on for both UK and European benefit
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Bailey highlighted that Brexit “has weighed on the level of potential supply” and stressed the importance of addressing its consequences.
“It underlines why we must be alert to and welcome opportunities to rebuild relations while respecting the decision of the British people,” Bailey said.
The governor expressed particular concern about the broader economic landscape.
“The picture is now clouded by the impact of geopolitical shocks and the broader fragmentation of the world economy,” he added.