EPC meeting: Starmer seeks closer ties with the EU
Keir Starmer, the new British Prime Minister, has spoken out in favour of closer ties with the EU at the European Political Community (EPC) summit at Blenheim Palace. He declared his commitment to renewing the bonds of trust and friendship that hold together the fabric of European life. Some commentators approve while others react with frustration.
Resetting Anglo-Irish relations
The Irish Examiner welcomes Starmer's special focus on improving Anglo-Irish relations:
“The two leaders agreed to hold annual summits and work together on a range of issues, from Northern Irelandand relationships with the EU to migration and forging closer links. ... A coming-together that could never have taken place with recent Conservative leaders. ... At a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin is dialling up the aggression in the East and another Donald Trump presidency looks increasingly likely in the West, it is reassuring to know that the UK's new leader seems genuinely committed to building relationships and fostering trust with Ireland and Europe.”
Come up with fresh answers
The Daily Telegraph is not impressed by Keir Starmer's desire to move closer to the EU:
“Every single person he appointed to his Cabinet opposed Brexit, as did every minister of every department. Brexiteers may have made up 52 per cent of the electorate but they make up 1 per cent of the Labour government ... New challenges need new thinking. It would be a shame if Starmer's starting point was to gravitate back to the EU – and refight the battles of 2016 – rather than think of fresh answers to the challenges of a second Trump presidency.”