New Foreign Secretary Aims to Revitalize UK-EU Relations
The UK’s newly appointed foreign secretary, David Lammy, has embarked on a mission to rejuvenate relations with key European partners, presenting a fresh, proactive image of the UK’s foreign policy. His tour began with an evening in Germany, where he met with his counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, and even caught a glimpse of England’s European Championship quarter-final match. Following this, Lammy’s journey took him to Poland, where he engaged in discussions at the scenic estate of Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorsky.
In a whirlwind diplomatic tour, Lammy also visited Sweden, a recent NATO member, to further consolidate ties. The choice of Germany, Poland, and Sweden as his initial stops was strategic, primarily driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These countries, alongside the UK, play pivotal roles in supporting Kyiv. With Defence Secretary John Healey on the ground in Odesa, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government is keen to underscore the UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine.
“We want to double down on our commitment to Ukraine,” Lammy stated, amidst the serene backdrop of a Polish lake, where dragonflies darted and eagles soared.
Lammy’s first day as foreign secretary highlights the Labour government’s intent to reset both bilateral relations and the UK’s relationship with the EU. While France, preoccupied with its own election, and Brussels were not on this weekend’s agenda, Poland and Sweden were seen as critical partners. Lammy emphasized Labour’s ambition to establish a new EU-UK security pact, with hopes of showcasing a renewed spirit of cooperation at the upcoming European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace on 18 July.
During his meeting with Sikorsky, the two ministers shared a warm embrace and discussed various pressing issues, including the geopolitical threats posed by Russia, China, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Lammy expressed concern over the presence of Iranian drones in Ukraine and North Korean shells being used on European soil, highlighting the threats from authoritarian regimes.
Lammy’s visit comes just days before Prime Minister Starmer’s debut on the international stage at the NATO summit in Washington, DC. He acknowledged the complexities of strengthening alliances in a turbulent geopolitical climate, with France shifting to the right and the potential return of Donald Trump in the US.
In Germany, Lammy called for a “more balanced approach to Israel-Gaza,” hinting at the need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and revive the Arab-Israeli peace process. Sikorsky, reflecting on the recent Polish election, noted a shared public fatigue with nationalist politics and expressed hope for a more pragmatic relationship with the UK, mentioning “creative ideas” for future collaboration.
As the new UK government reaffirms its solid support for Ukraine, Lammy’s tour sets the stage for a dynamic and cooperative foreign policy, eager to rebuild and strengthen ties with Europe amidst global uncertainties.
