Charles Grant, Director of the London-based Centre for European Reform think-tank, discusses Keir Starmer's challenges in resetting EU relations and the impact of French political disarray on European leadership. Topics include Brexit, UK's new leadership, Macron's proposals, global changes on the EU, and the Ukraine war's impact on UK-EU relations.
Labour government aims to enhance EU security through a proposed security pact.
UK's defense spending increase aims to demonstrate leadership amidst UK-Russian tensions and NATO involvement.
Deep dives
Stama's Approach to European Relations
Starting with security collaborations, Stama's Labour government aims to enhance European security cooperation through a proposed security pact. While cautious about discussing Europe during campaigning, Stama intends to improve UK-EU relations, possibly through dynamic alignment with EU rules. Plans include boosting economic ties sector by sector and exploring a non-binding security pact.
UK's Defense Spending & Role in Europe
The UK's commitment to raise defense spending could strengthen its security contributions, critical amid concerns about the state of its armed forces. Labour's potential defense budget increase to 2.5% of GDP aims to demonstrate leadership, especially in light of current UK-Russian tensions and NATO involvement. Aligning with NATO and EU partners in defense could be crucial for UK's security and diplomatic strategies.
EU Leadership Dynamics & Ukraine Conflict
As Europe navigates leadership challenges, France's domestic instability and Macron's weakened influence impact UK-EU relations. The EU's stance on Ukraine remains divided, underscoring potential hurdles for peace talks and territorial compromises. Despite internal dissent, EU nations like Poland, Baltics, and Nordics maintain solidarity in supporting Ukraine, reinforcing their stand on the conflict.
How easy will it be for Keir Starmer, Britain’s new prime minister, to reset relations with the EU, and what impact will political disarray in France have on leadership within the bloc? Gideon discusses these questions with Charles Grant, director of the London-based Centre for European Reform think-tank. Clip: BBC