Starmer says 'new approach' to Europe begins at Blenheim Palace summit - with focus on Putin and people smuggling

Sir Keir Starmer will promise to initiate a stronger partnership with Europe as he leads a significant gathering to discuss topics such as Ukraine and migration.

The leader of the country will host a meeting at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire with over 45 European leaders who are part of the European Political Community (EPC), established after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

All European countries, except for Russia and Belarus, are welcome to attend the summit, which aims to gather support for Ukraine as the fighting is likely to escalate during the summer.

Today in Politics Live, Keir Starmer promises to bring about a new era of national rejuvenation in his King's Speech.

Just a few days after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in the United States, it seems to have changed the dynamics of the presidential race and sparked worries about a GOP government reducing funding for Ukraine.

However, the summit is also viewed as a valuable chance for the new government to talk about a European security agreement and reducing trade barriers with the EU - two of Sir Keir's main goals that Downing Street mentioned could have otherwise been delayed for months.

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Before the summit, the prime minister stated that the issue of illegal migration and people smuggling gangs across Europe was something the UK planned to play a major role in addressing. This was a topic that Rishi Sunak had emphasized in previous summit meetings.

Reports indicate that there may be a statement regarding migration following a meeting with President Macron later today, as collaboration with French officials on Channel crossings is expected to be discussed.

Following the decision to cancel the Conservative Party's proposal to send unsuccessful asylum seekers to Rwanda, Sir Keir will reveal the reassignment of 100 Home Office employees who were involved in that plan to a newly created "rapid returns unit." This unit will be responsible for repatriating individuals who are not eligible to remain in the UK back to their native countries.

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Sir Keir believes that we should not let the difficulties of the past affect how we interact with each other in the future. He is determined to make European security a top priority for the government's foreign and defense strategies. He is also committed to improving our relationship with Europe at this time.

The European Policy Centre will signal the beginning of this government's fresh strategy towards Europe, which aims to not only benefit us presently but also for future generations. This includes breaking apart the networks that smuggle people across Europe and taking a stand against Putin's cruel actions in Ukraine and his disruptive behavior throughout Europe.

When my government was chosen, people wanted change. I told the people of Britain to watch what I do, not just listen to what I say. This gathering of European leaders is a chance to keep moving forward and start focusing on what matters most to the people. We can only protect our borders, boost our economy, and safeguard our democracies if we collaborate and work as a team.

Earlier this week, Sir Keir revealed what he believes should be focused on during the summit, stating that Europe should not just sit back and watch what is happening in this important moment in history.

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Blenheim Palace, an UNESCO designated site of international importance, holds significance as the place where Sir Winston Churchill, known for his leadership in standing against tyranny in Europe, was born. Additionally, the palace served as a base for MI5 operations during the Second World War.

This marks the fourth summit for the EPC, and it is considered to be their most ambitious one yet, with the participation of NATO and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe leaders as well.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will throw a party for leaders from Europe later in the day.

Sir Keir discussed his desire to establish a defense and security agreement with the EU during his visit to Washington this month. He emphasized the importance of NATO as the main foundation of defense in Europe.

In the Labour Party's plans for the upcoming election, Sir Keir expressed his aim for the UK to regain its position as a prominent country in Europe, with a stronger and more ambitious connection with our European allies.

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He wants to make changes to the way we trade with other countries and focus on strengthening our security partnerships. Showing how important this is to him, he has appointed his friend Nick Thomas-Symonds as the new minister for European relations.

While it is not anticipated that a formal announcement will be made at the conclusion of the summit, there are several individual meetings scheduled.

Sir Keir had a meeting with the Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris on Wednesday night, and he will be having dinner with Emmanuel Macron at Blenheim. It is anticipated that he will also be meeting with the prime minister of Poland.

Sir Keir's attention to immigration, shortly after introducing a Border Security Bill in the King's Speech to combat smuggling gangs, highlights the growing importance of the issue in Europe.

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The latest Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, stated that criminal traffickers are earning huge sums of money from small boat crossings and the Conservatives only provided us with superficial solutions instead of real solutions.

"We are committed to addressing this issue at its roots by collaborating with partners throughout Europe. Our focus will be on identifying and stopping those who are benefiting from this illicit activity, holding them accountable for their actions."