Keir Starmer took office as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom after winning the 2024 general election, ushering in a significant change in the country’s political landscape. When Starmer took office as Labour leader in 2020, he aimed to respond to the complex political and economic circumstances of the post-Brexit era. Under his leadership, the party has managed to appeal to a wider electorate with its pragmatic and progressive policies.
Starmer’s premiership faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of foreign policy. Revitalizing relations with the European Union (EU) is central to the UK’s post-Brexit efforts to increase trade and cooperation opportunities. At the same time, Starmer aims to strengthen strategic relations with the United States of America (USA) and forge closer cooperation on trade, security and global politics between the two countries. This engagement with the United States is seen as an important opportunity to increase the UK’s global influence.
Before his meeting with Ursula von der Leyen in early October, Keir Starmer said that a new relationship with the EU would not be easy, “but it is possible”.[i] Starmer said he hoped for improvements in defense, borders and trade. Starmer, who has repeatedly postponed a visit to Brussels since becoming Prime Minister, also acknowledged that it would be controversial to reopen the Brexit issue in order to improve Boris Johnson’s deal.
Some Brexiteers will oppose any sign of a deal, while pro-Europeans will want Starmer to build a closer relationship with the EU. After a brief first meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York, Starmer confirmed that she will travel to Brussels. Asked if he could give a concrete example of how a deal with the EU could improve life, Starmer said:[ii]
“Look, can we do more on defensive security together? Yes, I think we can. Can we do more on border security? Yes, I think we can. That needs to be done and can be done in closer relationship with the EU in addition to the bilateral work that I’ve already started with France, Germany and Italy, and of course a closer trading relationship. I want to make it easier for businesses to trade because I think that is in the interest of the UK.”
Starmer has made promoting economic growth and attracting investment to the UK among his priorities, and many business leaders have lobbied for a post-Brexit easing of trade barriers and border controls. Asked if it was possible for the UK to build a business relationship outside the EU, outside the single market and customs union, Starmer said, “I think it is possible. I’m not going to claim it’s easy, but I think it is possible.” Starmer, who is in favor of remaining in the EU, promised that Labor would not reverse Brexit.
Keir Starmer has also indicated that he would like to examine Italy’s plan to send migrants rescued at sea to Albania to process their asylum applications. On his first official visit to Rome, Starmer met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The issue of migration was discussed and Starmer sought to understand how Italy has managed to reduce the number of migrants. Italy has significantly reduced sea crossings through financial agreements with Tunisia and Libya.[iii]
However, these agreements have been criticized for human rights violations against migrants. Starmer was also informed about other Italian migration prevention strategies, such as the planned opening of migrant centers in Albania. These centers assess asylum applications and deport those whose applications are rejected. Starmer is interested in this model and plans to study Italy’s approach to tackling the UK’s migration problem.
While advancing relations with Europe in this way, Starmer also had a meeting with one of the candidates, Donald Trump, as the US elections were approaching. This was the first time Starmer and Trump met. Foreign Minister David Lammy also attended the dinner. The Prime Minister said that this meeting was important for “relationship building”.
According to UK government sources, they discussed the long-standing friendship between the two countries and the importance of building on this strong partnership. Trump said of Starmer that she “ran a very successful race” and was “very popular”.[iv] Starmer said that he did not meet with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris during this visit, but that he would like to meet with both candidates in the future. He emphasized the importance of building personal relationships with both parties ahead of the US presidential elections.
In conclusion, the Keir Starmer era has brought about a significant change in the UK’s political and economic landscape. Since taking office as Labour leader, Starmer has adopted a more pragmatic and inclusive approach to the post-Brexit challenges. The revitalization of relations with the EU has been identified as an important goal, particularly in the areas of trade and cooperation. Starmer aims to advance these efforts through closer ties with the EU, but recognizes that reopening post-Brexit agreements may be controversial.
Strategic relations with the United States are another important foreign policy priority for Starmer. His first meeting with former US President Donald Trump can be considered as a step towards strengthening relations between the two countries. Although Starmer also wanted to meet with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, she adopted a pragmatic approach to improve relations with Trump.
Keir Starmer’s leadership has the potential to reshape the UK’s domestic and foreign policy direction. Closer relations with the EU, deepening strategic partnerships with the US and more effective solutions on immigration policy will be the most decisive elements of the Starmer era. However, it is clear that this process will be as controversial as it is challenging; how successfully Starmer manages this balance will determine the success of his prime ministership.
[i] Rowena Mason, “New relationship with EU possible but will not be easy, Keir Starmer says”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/27/new-relationship-with-eu-possible-but-will-not-be-easy-keir-starmer-says (Access Date: 28.09.2024).
[ii] Rowena Mason, “New relationship with EU possible but will not be easy, Keir Starmer says”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/27/new-relationship-with-eu-possible-but-will-not-be-easy-keir-starmer-says (Access Date: 28.09.2024).
[iii] Mark Lowen, “Starmer in Italy to discuss migration with PM Meloni”, BBC, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnvdy6ze761o, (Access Date: 28.09.2024).
[iv] Chris Mason & Isabella Allen, “Starmer meets Trump for the first time”, BBC, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2439897mg2o, (Access Date: 28.09.2024).
