Diplomacy - New British government open to rapprochement with EU
Germany and Great Britain are considering the United Kingdom's approach to the European Union once again. "We are checking with the new British government on how the United Kingdom can get closer to the EU again," the German Foreign Office in Berlin stated during the visit of the new British Foreign Minister David Lammy to his colleague Annalena Baerbock (Greens). However, a return to the EU or the customs union after Brexit had already been ruled out by Lammy before taking office.
Following the spectacular victory of the Labour Party, Lammy was appointed as the new Foreign Minister on Friday. Labour replaced the Conservatives, who had been in power for 14 years under the leadership of Rishi Sunak. Lammy had announced that, in case of a victory, he would visit several allies quickly, including Germany. With the EU, the Labour government intends to conclude a broad security pact. It will cover areas such as energy and climate, as well as closer cooperation in the defense industry sector.
The Foreign Office also stated during Lammy's visit that, prior to the Tuesday NATO summit beginning in Washington, it was important to "set up our support for Ukraine together with our allies even more effectively." One aims to become more defensive in Europe and strengthen the European pillar of NATO.
The United Kingdom is an indispensable part of Europe, it was further stated. Whether it's in science, culture, or security – Germany and Great Britain work closely together. In addition, one aims to make progress together in international climate policy.
- During David Lammy's visit to Annalena Baerbock in Berlin, Germany expressed their interest in understanding Great Britain's new approach towards the EU post-Brexit.
- Despite his commitment to exploring closer ties with the EU, David Lammy, the new British Foreign Minister, had previously ruled out the possibility of a return to the EU or the customs union after Brexit.
- In light of the Labour Party's victory, Lammy was appointed as Foreign Minister on Friday, vowing to visit key allies quickly, including Germany.
- With the EU, the new Labour government plans to establish a comprehensive security pact, covering areas such as energy, climate, and defense industry cooperation.
- Prior to the NATO summit in Washington, the German Foreign Office emphasized the importance of strengthening collective support for Ukraine with their allies, including the UK.
- Reflecting on their shared history, Germany viewed the UK as an indispensable part of Europe, with strong collaborations in various fields including science, culture, and security, and a shared focus on advancing international climate policy.
