UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to embark on his first foreign trip since taking office, heading to Washington for NATO’s 75th anniversary summit. This follows his landslide election victory last Friday.
Starmer, 61, will use the summit to emphasize Britain’s steadfast support for NATO and Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression. He described the summit as an opportunity to “reset relationships, reinvigorate our unshakeable commitment to the alliance, and demonstrate the strength of Britain on the world stage.”
This visit marks the beginning of an intense period of international diplomacy for Starmer, with the UK also hosting a European leaders’ conference next week. According to foreign policy expert James Strong, the summit will provide Starmer with a chance to learn and connect with other leaders.
The previous Conservative government was a strong ally of Ukraine, providing financial aid, weapons, and troop training to counter Russia’s invasion. Starmer has pledged to continue this support and plans to reaffirm this commitment to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO meeting.
Defence Secretary John Healey has already visited Ukraine, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy has been engaging with European NATO members. Labour aims to maintain the commitment to NATO, matching the Conservatives’ promise to raise defence spending to 2.5 percent of GDP.
Starmer will also look to reset relations with European allies strained by Brexit. Labour has pledged closer cooperation with European neighbours, including bilateral deals with France and Germany, as well as agreements with the EU.
The trip provides an early chance for Starmer to strengthen ties with US President Joe Biden and solidify the UK-US “special relationship.” Starmer’s Labour party shares more ideological alignment with Biden’s Democratic Party compared to the Conservatives, potentially fostering stronger cooperation.
However, the trip comes at a sensitive time for Biden, who is facing pressure to step aside for a younger Democrat ahead of the presidential election against Donald Trump. Starmer will want to showcase his unwavering commitment to the UK-US alliance, regardless of the upcoming political landscape in the US.
The Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza may present a point of contention, as Labour is seen as more pro-Palestinian than the current US administration. Discussions on policy towards China, including trade and technology, are also expected.
Following his Washington visit, Starmer will host the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace on July 18, with leaders like France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Olaf Scholz expected to attend. Labour aims for an ambitious security pact with the EU, hoping to build on these diplomatic engagements.
Olivia O’Sullivan from Chatham House noted that these summits provide an opportunity for Starmer to elaborate on Labour’s international proposals, potentially shaping post-Brexit trading relations after his debut on the global stage.