British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Visit German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Seeking to Rebuild Trust after Brexit
In a major diplomatic move, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin next week, his first bilateral trip since taking office. This significant visit comes as part of Starmer’s efforts to rebuild trust with European allies, damaged by the UK’s departure from the European Union, commonly known as Brexit.
Starmer, who won a landslide election victory in Britain in July, has vowed to put the relationship between the UK and the EU on a new footing. He will be welcomed to the German capital with military honours on Wednesday, according to government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit. During his visit, Starmer will hold talks with Scholz, focusing on various topics, including bilateral and foreign policy issues, as well as European and economic policy.
This trip marks a significant step towards mending the strained relationship between the UK and the EU. In a recent European Political Community (EPC) summit in England, Starmer told European leaders that the UK would be a “friend and partner” to them. He expressed his desire to work with the bloc to reset relationships, rediscover their common interests, and renew the bonds of trust and friendship that brighten the fabric of European life.
Starmer, a former human rights lawyer and chief state prosecutor, has always been a strong supporter of the UK’s remaining in the EU. Although he has ruled out rejoining the European single market, customs union, or freedom of movement, he is willing to negotiate a new security pact, veterinary agreement, and improved trading deal.
Additionally, the two leaders are expected to discuss important issues such as tackling illegal migration and providing military support for Ukraine, which is currently facing pressure over its aid for Kyiv. This visit comes in the wake of Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s trip to Germany in September, where he called for a “reset” in relations with European allies. Defence Secretary John Healey has also recently visited Berlin, signing a joint declaration with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius.
The visit is seen as a critical step towards rebuilding trust and strengthening cooperation between the UK and the EU. As both countries navigate the complexities of post-Brexit relations, this meeting presents an opportunity for Starmer to restore the UK’s reputation as a reliable partner within the European community.
