5 things about UK PM Keir Starmer's trip to Berlin and Paris

UK PM Keir Starmer is undertaking a pivotal diplomatic trip to Berlin and Paris this week, marking a significant moment in the post-Brexit era for Britain.

His trip will seek to reinforce and reshape the UK’s relationships with key European allies through high-level meetings and strategic negotiations. Here are five key things about his trip:

Meeting with Chancellor Scholz: On Wednesday, Starmer will sit down with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. This meeting is crucial as it marks the beginning of discussions on a groundbreaking bilateral treaty between the UK and Germany.

The proposed treaty aims to bolster business and trade ties, enhance defense and security cooperation, and address common challenges. The agreement is envisioned as a major step forward in strengthening the UK’s relationship with one of its most important European partners.

Recalibrating Brexit Relations: Starmer is placing a strong emphasis on moving past the Brexit referendum of 2016, which continues to shape UK-EU relations. His visit to Berlin is intended to signal a renewed commitment to improving ties with Europe.

Starmer’s approach focuses on resetting the relationship with key European nations, highlighting a desire to build positive partnerships and foster collaborative efforts on various fronts.

European Diplomatic Push: The trip to Berlin and Paris is part of a broader European charm offensive by Starmer and his Labour government. Starmer’s meetings with Chancellor Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron underscore his administration’s strategic focus on engaging with European leaders to enhance bilateral relations.

This diplomatic effort aims to demonstrate the UK’s readiness to play a proactive role in addressing European and global issues.

Strategic Objectives: The new bilateral treaty being discussed is expected to tackle several important areas. These include joint action on illegal migration, which remains a pressing issue for both the UK and its European neighbors.

Additionally, the treaty aims to boost economic growth through increased trade and business opportunities and to deepen defense and security cooperation. The UK government is aiming to finalise this partnership by early 2025, setting a clear timeline for negotiations.

Political and Timing Considerations: Starmer’s visit comes at a politically sensitive time. Scholz’s SPD party is facing challenging polling figures, which could impact his tenure as Chancellor. The urgency of the negotiations reflects the need to capitalise on the current political climate and secure meaningful agreements before potential changes in German leadership.

In addition to the political discussions, Starmer will also attend the Paralympics Opening Ceremony in Paris on Wednesday evening, before continuing to Paris for talks with President Macron on Thursday.