British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss a landmark economic and defence accord with German leaders on Wednesday, hoping to use a visit to pursue a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reset relations with the rest of Europe.
At the beginning of a two-day visit to Germany and France, Starmer said he wants Britain to move beyond the previous Conservative government’s fractious relations with European allies and put improved ties at the heart of his efforts to boost Britain’s economic growth.
On his visit to Berlin at the start of the trip, Starmer will hold talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on a new pact they hope will bring about an unprecedented degree of bilateral military cooperation as well as increased collaboration in areas such as trade and energy.
“We must turn a corner on Brexit and fix the broken relationships left behind by the previous government,” Starmer said in a statement. “We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset our relationship with Europe.”
Britain and Germany, NATO allies and western Europe’s biggest defence spenders, are looking for ways to increase defence cooperation ahead of the possibility that the United States scales back military support for Ukraine if Donald Trump returns to the White House early next year.
The Republican presidential candidate has warned that if elected he would fundamentally rethink “NATO’s purpose and NATO’s mission”. He has also not committed to sending further aid to Ukraine and said he would not defend allies that do not increase their defence budgets. Trump is locked in a tight race with Vice President Kamala Harris in the Nov. 5 election.
The Republican presidential candidate has warned that if elected he would fundamentally rethink “NATO’s purpose and NATO’s mission”. He has also not committed to sending further aid to Ukraine and said he would not defend allies that do not increase their defence budgets. Trump is locked in a tight race with Vice President Kamala Harris in the Nov. 5 election.