Starmer wants to help Europe reset its ties by pursuing a defence deal with Germany
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.
Starmer, who is on a two-day trip to Germany and France to promote Britain's economy, said that he wanted to see Britain move past the fractious relationship with European allies of the previous Conservative government and place improved relations at the center of his efforts.
Starmer, who will be visiting Berlin to begin his trip, will meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and discuss a new agreement that they hope will lead to a greater degree of bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade and energy as well as a more unprecedented level of military co-operation.
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 the United States reduces its military support for Ukraine, if Donald Trump is elected to the White House at the beginning of next year.
The Republican candidate for president 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 what he has called "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 plot to assassinate him. The Kremlin claimed that the reports were false and should not be taken serious.
Starmer will also meet Christian Bruch the CEO of Siemens Energy, who employs around 6,000 people in Britain. They will discuss future investment 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 then meet Paralympic Athletes as they prepare to compete, before meeting President Emmanuel Macron in the Elysee Palace. Andrew MacAskill, Reporting and Mark Heinrich, Editing
(source: Reuters)
