Richard Parks British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at Chequers, his official country residence, on Sunday, as part of an effort to strengthen UK-EU relations. While confirming that Britain will not rejoin the European Union’s single market, Starmer stressed the importance of closer collaboration in trade, security, and energy policy.
Closer Ties Without EU Membership
The meeting, held in Buckinghamshire, about 50 kilometers northwest of London, comes ahead of Starmer’s visit to Belgium on Monday, where he will meet with EU leaders to discuss the next steps in UK-EU cooperation.
“A stronger partnership with the EU is in Britain’s best interest, and I believe it also benefits the EU. Over the past seven months, we have already seen a clear shift in approach, tone, and engagement,” Starmer stated.
Although he ruled out rejoining the EU, the prime minister emphasized his commitment to expanding economic collaboration, improving defense partnerships, and strengthening energy cooperation.
Joint Efforts on Global Security
Beyond UK-EU relations, Starmer and Scholz discussed pressing global security challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine, as the conflict with Russia enters its fourth year.
Scholz described the meeting as “a positive step in reinforcing the strong ties between our nations”, emphasizing the importance of working together on key global issues.
Following their discussions, the two leaders walked around the Chequers estate before continuing their talks over a working lunch.
A Shift in Britain’s Foreign Policy Approach
This meeting signals a clear shift in Britain’s diplomatic strategy. While an EU return is not being considered, Starmer’s government is pursuing a more cooperative and pragmatic relationship with Europe. By fostering stronger partnerships with EU nations, the UK aims to address economic and geopolitical challenges more effectively, setting the stage for a more stable and constructive UK-EU alliance.