Summary of the day
Leaders from across Europe gathered at Blenheim Palace for a European Political Community summit.
Keir Starmer opened the summit underlining the bond of trust that brightens the fabric of European life. He added that the UK “will never leave the European Convention of Human Rights”.
After the gathering, the British leader said that the leaders pledged to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Starmer also said that “we are going to deepen our cooperation on defence and security, and on illegal migration, where we are resetting our approach.” He added that “we are going to work with our European partners to share intelligence, data, expertise, and put the gangs out of business.”
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, said that the arrival of Starmer brings “new momentum” to tackle political issues.
Irish prime minister Simon Harris said the decisions made by Keir Starmer in his 14 days in office are a “gamechanger” for Europe.
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said “joint efforts are needed for the sake of peace … When the aggressor loses, the world wins.” He also asked if Europe will “surrender” to “tyrants” and rounded on Viktor Orbán’s self-styled peace mission and meetings with Putin and Trump, calling them a betrayal of Europe.
Rachel Reeves has warned she will have to make “difficult decisions” as she seeks to “fix the foundations” of the public finances. The chancellor is will announce the date of her first budget before the Commons summer recess, as well as an assessment of the “spending inheritance” left behind by the Conservatives.
Whether the UK would accept some asylum seekers in exchange for returning some migrants to the EU is not under discussion at the EPC summit, Yvette Cooper has said. The home secretary said the focus is “around security” and “organised immigration crime” when pressed repeatedly on what a potential UK-EU migrants return deal could entail.
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has said that the arrival of Keir Starmer brings “new momentum” to tackle political issues, Reuters reported.
He also said he hopes for improvement in the migration situation.
