Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, embarks on his inaugural international journey this week in Washington, just days after assuming office following a resounding electoral triumph.
Aged 61, Starmer will participate in NATO’s 75th anniversary summit in the US capital, marking his first overseas trip since assuming leadership of Britain last Friday.
His agenda includes reaffirming Britain’s steadfast backing for the Western military alliance and its support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
This visit launches a flurry of global diplomacy in Starmer’s initial fortnight in power, culminating in the UK’s hosting of a conference for European leaders next week.
“It’s a chance for him to acquaint himself with other leaders and communicate specific messages,” noted foreign policy expert James Strong.
Under the previous Conservative government, Britain staunchly supported Ukraine with financial aid, weapons, and military training to repel Russia’s invasion.
Starmer has pledged ongoing support for Kyiv under Labour, a commitment he is expected to reaffirm directly to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the NATO summit.
Already, Starmer’s Defense Secretary John Healey visited Ukraine post-election, while Foreign Secretary David Lammy engaged with European NATO members.
Labour is dedicated to the alliance and aims to match the Conservatives’ commitment to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, exceeding NATO’s 2% target.
“We anticipate discussions centered on maintaining continuity in key foreign policy areas, alongside efforts to reset relations with Brexit-affected allies,” Strong added.
Labour pledges closer cooperation with European neighbors, aiming for bilateral deals with France and Germany, and broader agreements within the EU bloc.
Expectations are high for improved relations, emphasizing reliability, stability, and predictability in international partnerships.
The trip also provides Starmer with an early opportunity to build rapport with US President Joe Biden and strengthen the UK-US special relationship.
While Labour aligns closely with Biden’s Democratic Party compared to the Conservatives, the visit coincides with a sensitive period for the US President, aged 81, under pressure to consider succession ahead of November’s presidential election against Republican rival Donald Trump.
Starmer remains mindful of potential dealings with isolationist policies under Trump from January next year.
“He aims to underscore unwavering commitment to the UK’s alliance with America and reinforce the resilience of the ‘special relationship,’ whatever the future holds,” noted Sophia Gaston, head of foreign policy at the Policy Exchange think tank.
A possible point of contention between Starmer and Biden might be their differing stances on the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, with Labour seen as more pro-Palestinian than Washington.
The leaders are also expected to discuss their respective policies toward China, encompassing trade, commerce, and technology.
Following these engagements, Starmer will host the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace, near Oxford, on July 18, with France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz in attendance.
Labour advocates for an ambitious security pact with the European Union.
According to Olivia O’Sullivan, director of the UK in the World program at Chatham House, these summits present an opportunity to flesh out proposals further.
Post-Brexit, Starmer may seek to outline the contours of a new trade agreement following his debut on the global stage in Washington.
