UK prime minister seeks to reset relations with Europe on tour

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has embarked on a two-day tour of Berlin and Paris, aiming to reset the UK’s relationship with Europe.

Starmer arrived in Berlin for bilateral talks and will later visit Paris as part of his effort to “turn a corner on Brexit and fix the broken relationships,” according to a statement released before his visit.

“We have a once in a generation opportunity to reset our relationship with Europe and strive for genuine, ambitious partnerships that deliver for the British people,” Starmer said.

During his visit to Germany, Starmer will meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to initiate negotiations on a new bilateral treaty. The treaty is expected to enhance business and trade, deepen defense and security cooperation, and improve joint action on illegal migration.

Starmer is also set to attend the Paralympics opening ceremony in Paris on Wednesday night before meeting with French business leaders, including major investors in the UK economy. He will then meet French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.

“We must turn a corner on Brexit and fix the broken relationships left behind by the previous government,” Starmer said earlier this week.

He noted that work began at the European Political Community meeting last month and expressed his determination to continue these efforts during his visit to Germany and France.

“Strengthening our relationship with these countries is crucial, not only in tackling the global problem of illegal migration but also in boosting economic growth across the continent and, crucially, in the UK – one of the key missions of my government,” he added.