Newscast Can Starmer Bridge the Gap Between Trump and Europe?
Feb 16, 2025
Nicholas Watt, BBC Newsnight's political editor, shares his expert insights into the evolving dynamics between the UK, US, and EU. He discusses how Starmer aims to create a bridge between Trump and Europe while navigating defense spending boosts. An emergency summit on Ukraine is on the agenda, scrutinizing the exclusion of Ukraine from vital peace talks. The conversation also highlights challenges in troop readiness for peacekeeping missions and the complexities of international defense collaborations amid rising geopolitical tensions.
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EU Emergency Summit
- An emergency EU summit in Paris will address Trump and Putin's Ukraine peace talks.
- The UK, a major European defense power, is also invited.
Exclusion of Ukraine
- Trump and Putin's plan to end the Ukraine war without Europe's or Ukraine's involvement sparks concern.
- This approach worries the UK and EU, who believe Ukraine should be included in decisions about its future.
UK's Historical Role
- Historically, Britain has mediated between Europe and the US.
- This situation presents an opportunity for Keir Starmer to bridge the gap, but the EU may resist this role.