Brexit 'reset' as David Lammy attends summit of EU foreign ministers

Keir Starmer's Brexit 'reset' gathered pace today as he sent the Foreign Secretary to attended a summit of EU ministers and the PM himself vowed to 'repair Britain's brand'.

David Lammy joined counterparts for talks in Luxembourg, with the agenda including cooperation on the Middle East crisis and the Ukraine war.

It is the first time in two years the UK has been at such a gathering, with Liz Truss taking part in 2022 amid the response to the Russian invasion.

Mr Lammy was greeted warmly by EU high representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Josep Borrell as he arrived. 

Although European security will be the main focus, it is being seen as another step in Sir Keir's drive for closer relations with the bloc.

On a recent visit to Brussels the PM pledged to move beyond Brexit and forge tighter links in areas such as trade and illegal migration.

And this morning the PM used a business investment summit in London to say he wanted the UK to be seen as as 'stable, trusted, rule-abiding partner' as he accused the Tories of having made people 'less sure of that' with what they did after Brexit.

The Prime Minister said: 'I see this as a diplomatic necessity and I think it's clear how much priority I've given it in the first 100 days of Government all around the world, whether it's countries or investors, people want to know that Britain can be a stable, trusted, rule-abiding partner, as we've always been.

'But, somehow, during the whole circus that followed Brexit, the last government made a few people less sure of that, needlessly insulting our closest allies, and of course, a few choice Anglo-Saxon phrases for business.

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'Well, no more. We turn the page on that.'

Mr Lammy had earlier told reporters: 'UK and Europe's security is indivisible. And at this moment, whether it is the aggression of Russia in Ukraine, the tremendous issues and conflicts in the Middle East, or global affairs or geopolitical affairs more generally, it is hugely important that the UK and Europe remain steadfast and clear.'

However, there are fears that the UK could be forced into concessions, such as joining an EU-wide scheme for sharing the burden of asylum seekers. 

Topics today will include continued Russian aggression and interference across the continent, as well as the threat posed by Iran in the Middle East.

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The Foreign Office have said UK attendance at the meeting will be part of more regular engagement, with plans for closer working on international affairs.

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Before he arrived Mr Lammy said: 'UK security is indivisible from European security. This Government is determined to reset our relationships and deepen ties with our European partners in order to make us all safer.

'This visit is an opportunity for the UK to be back at the table, discussing the most pressing global issues with our closest neighbours and tackle the seismic challenges we all face.'

Earlier this month Sir Keir met European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for talks in Brussels, promising to offer 'pragmatic, sensible leadership'.

Ms von der Leyen said the various arrangements put in place since the Brexit vote, including the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA), needed to be fully implemented.