AFP
Britain’s Starmer promises “fresh start” on trip to Germany
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed during a visit to Berlin on Wednesday that a planned new treaty with Germany was part of his country’s efforts to repair relations with the EU damaged by Brexit. The move toward a reset, which was welcomed by German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz, also includes the British premier travelling to Paris on Thursday to speak with President Emmanuel Macron. Starmer said it was hoped the proposed agreement, which would include a defence deal and closer ties in science, technology and trade, could be agreed by the end of the year. The British prime minister called the planned treaty a “once in a generation” opportunity to support a “more comprehensive reset” of relations between the UK and the EU. Scholz welcomed his British counterpart’s desire for a “reset”, adding: “We want to accept this outstretched hand.” Labour had announced that it would seek a security and defence treaty with Germany if it won the general election on July 4. This was achieved with an overwhelming majority – and Starmer thus became prime minister. Starmer’s host Scholz is under pressure to crack down on illegal immigration after a suspected Islamist knife attack in the western town of Solingen on Friday. The knife attack, which left three people dead and eight injured, was allegedly carried out by a 26-year-old Syrian who evaded attempts by German authorities to deport him. Starmer’s job as prime minister faced a challenge after a fatal knife attack in Southport last month sparked anti-immigration riots that officials said were fuelled by far-right elements and misinformation. Starmer said he and Scholz had “agreed to develop a joint action plan to tackle illegal migration” and “dismantle the smuggling gangs who run this abhorrent business”. – Help for Ukraine – The pair also discussed the war in Ukraine, with both countries under pressure over their help to Kiev in its fight against the Russian invasion. Scholz insisted that both countries “stand firmly with Ukraine” despite “recent attempts to sow doubts about that commitment.” “Our determination remains as strong as ever to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and give it the support it needs, for as long as it needs it,” Starmer added. Kyiv’s Western allies reacted cautiously to Ukraine’s recent incursion into Kursk, fearing that their weapons could be used on Russian soil, potentially triggering a strong response from Moscow. Britain allows Kyiv to send a squadron of 14 British Challenger 2 tanks at its discretion, but has restricted the use of its long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles.Starmer said on Wednesday that “no new decisions have been made” on tactical issues regarding the use of weapons.Germany has repeatedly refused to supply Kyiv with its long-range Taurus missiles, fearing an escalation of the conflict.Germany was the second-largest contributor to Ukraine after the United States, but plans to halve the budget for such aid next year.While Germany has spent around eight billion euros ($9 billion) on aid to Ukraine in 2024, the latest draft allocates around four billion euros.- ‘Friend and partner’ -At a summit of the European Political Community (EPG) in England two weeks after his election victory, Starmer told European leaders that Britain would be a “friend and partner” to them.Starmer has not ruled out rejoining the European single market, customs union or the Freedom of movement excluded – to avoid reopening what remains a sensitive issue among British politicians and the public alike. But he wants to negotiate a new security pact and a veterinary agreement with the bloc to ease border controls for agricultural products, as well as an improved trade agreement.pdh-jsk/jm
