Starmer, the UK's ambassador to Berlin, is there for talks on resetting ties with Europe
On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Keir starmer will discuss an economic and defense accord with German leaders. He hopes to use his two-day trip to Europe's leading powers Germany and France as a chance to reset the relationship with the rest.
Starmer stated that he wanted Britain move past the previous Conservative Government's fractious relationships with European allies, and place improved ties as the core of his efforts in order to boost Britain's economy.
Starmer was in Berlin on Tuesday and visited the Brandenburg Gate before meeting with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on early Wednesday morning. He was then greeted by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz with military honors outside the chancellery, under a brightly blue sky.
Starmer and Scholz, another leftist, will discuss a new agreement that they hope will lead to a greater degree of bilateral cooperation in military matters and more collaboration on areas like trade and energy.
At midday, the two will hold a press conference together.
Starmer stated in a press release that "we must turn the corner on Brexit and repair the broken relationships left by the previous administration." We have an opportunity that comes only once in a generation to reset our relationship.
Britain and Germany are NATO allies, and the two countries spend the most on defence in western Europe. They want to find ways to improve defence co-operation before a possible reduction of U.S. support for Ukraine, if Donald Trump, former U.S. president, returns to office early next year.
The Republican presidential nominee has warned that, if elected he will fundamentally rethink the "purpose and mission of NATO". He also has not committed to send more aid to Ukraine, and he said that he will not defend any allies who do not increase their defense budgets. Trump and Vice President Kamalah Harris are locked in a close race in the November 5th election.
Since Trump chose JD Vance to be his running mate, concerns have grown that the U.S. may reduce its support for Ukraine. Vance has stressed his opposition to the U.S. writing "blank checks" to help Ukraine fight off Russia's two-and-a-half-year-old invasion.
An Anglo German defence partnership could be similar to the Lancaster House agreement between Britain and France in 2010. Officials have pledged to create a combined force, share equipment and nuclear research centres.
According to Starmer's Office, the two sides will continue their negotiations over the next 6 months in order to complete the deal by the beginning of next year. This would be after the signing of a jointly declared defence in July.
Starmer, on his visit to Germany, will also meet with other business leaders, including Armin Papperger. According to media reports, Armin was the target last month of a Russian murder plot. The Kremlin claimed that the reports were false and should not be taken serious.
Christian Bruch is the CEO of Siemens Energy, which employs around 6,000 people in Britain. They will discuss future investments and how to create more high-skilled jobs.
Starmer, after the talks in Germany will travel to Paris on Wednesday evening for the opening ceremony of the Paralympics. He will also hold a breakfast on Thursday morning with executives from Thales, Eutelsat and Mistral AI, as well as Sanofi.
Starmer will meet Paralympic competitors as they prepare to compete, and then have a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in the Elysee Palace. (Reporting and editing by Mark Heinrich, Bernadettebaum and Sarah Marsh from Berlin)
(source: Reuters)
