Starmer’s Strategic Summit: Blenheim Palace Hosts European Leaders to Forge New Ties and Tackle Pressing Challenges

Starmer announces the start of a 'new approach' to Europe at a summit held at Blenheim Palace, concentrating on issues like Putin and human trafficking.

The recently appointed prime minister convenes a meeting with European leaders, amidst worries regarding the implications of US events on Ukraine.

Political reporter @tamcohen

Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 10:

Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce the initiation of a deeper partnership with Europe during a significant summit, which will primarily concentrate on issues related to Ukraine and migration.

The premier is set to host a gathering of at least 45 leaders from across Europe at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire for a summit of the European Political Community (EPC), an initiative formed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years earlier.

Every European nation, except Russia and Belarus, has been invited to the summit aimed at rallying support for Ukraine, which anticipates an escalation in conflict during the summer months.

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The incident occurred shortly after an attack targeting Donald Trump in the United States, which seems to have significantly altered the dynamics of the presidential contest and sparked worries over potential reductions in financial aid to Kyiv by a Republican-led government.

However, the summit is also viewed as a prime chance for the new administration to talk about forming a security agreement within Europe and reducing trade barriers with the EU – two key objectives of Sir Keir that, according to Downing Street, could have been delayed for months.

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Before the summit began, the prime minister announced that tackling the widespread issue of illegal migration and human trafficking across Europe is a priority for the UK, emphasizing that Rishi Sunak had previously placed great importance on this topic at earlier summit gatherings.

Insiders indicated that a statement on immigration might be released following a meeting between President Macron tonight, as discussions with French officials about Channel crossings are expected to be a key topic.

Sir Keir is set to reveal plans to dismantle the Conservatives' proposal of deporting unsuccessful asylum seekers to Rwanda. Instead, he will redirect 100 Home Office employees previously engaged with this policy towards a newly established "rapid returns unit" tasked with expediting the removal of individuals who do not qualify to remain in the UK, sending them back to their countries of origin.

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Sir Keir is expected to state: "We must not allow the difficulties we've faced recently to shape our future interactions. Therefore, ensuring European security will be a top priority for this government in both foreign and defense strategies. This is why I am committed to using this opportunity to rejuvenate our ties with Europe.

The European Policy Centre is set to launch the government's fresh strategy towards Europe, a plan that promises advantages not only in the present but also for future generations. This includes breaking up the networks involved in human smuggling throughout Europe, as well as confronting Putin's brutal behavior in Ukraine and his destabilizing efforts across the continent.

"My administration came into power on the promise of transformation. I have urged the citizens of Britain to evaluate my performance based on my deeds, not just my promises. This gathering of European leaders presents a chance to advance and start addressing the priorities of our citizens. Achieving secure borders, stimulating economic expansion, and protecting our democratic systems can only be accomplished through collective effort."

Last week, while outlining his objectives for the summit, Sir Keir stated that Europe must not be "mere observers in this period of history."

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Blenheim Palace, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds significance as the location where Sir Winston Churchill was born. He is famously recognized for his staunch opposition to European tyranny. Additionally, the palace served as a base for MI5 operations during World War II.

The EPC is hosting its fourth summit, which is notably its most significant yet, as it includes participation from the heads of NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to hold an afternoon gathering for European dignitaries.

Sir Keir discussed his intentions to establish a defense and security agreement with the EU during his visit to Washington this month, while emphasizing that NATO remains the fundamental basis of Europe's defense.

In the Labour Party's campaign document, Sir Keir expressed his desire for "the UK to regain its position as a foremost country in Europe, aiming for a strengthened and aspiring partnership with our European allies."

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He is pursuing modifications in trade and aims to establish a security partnership. Demonstrating the significance he attaches to this issue, he has established a new cabinet position, Minister for European Relations, appointing his ally Nick Thomas-Symonds to the role.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will miss the summit due to her reelection campaign in Strasbourg today.

While an official declaration may not be forthcoming following the summit, numerous bilateral discussions are scheduled.

On Wednesday evening, Sir Keir had a meeting with the Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris, and he is scheduled to have dinner with Emmanuel Macron at Blenheim. Additionally, he is anticipated to have a meeting with the Prime Minister of Poland.

Sir Keir has turned his attention to immigration issues, particularly after revealing plans for a Border Security Bill during the King's Speech, aimed at combating smuggling networks, highlighting the increasing importance of this issue across Europe.

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The recently appointed Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, stated, "Organized crime rings are profiting immensely from the smuggling of individuals across the channel in small boats, and the Conservatives have bequeathed us mere superficial measures instead of effective control."

"We are committed to collaborating with partners throughout Europe to address this issue from its origin, targeting those who benefit financially from this dreadful trade and ensuring they face legal consequences."

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