Lammy to Discuss UK–EU Security Partnership in Luxembourg

Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrives at Downing Street in London, on Aug. 6, 2024. James Manning/PA Wire

Foreign Secretary David Lammy is to discuss the war in Ukraine and the escalating crisis in the Middle East with his European counterparts, as the UK government seeks closer cooperation with the EU.

Lammy will attend the the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday, seeking to reinforce closer partnership on security matters. It is the first time in two years a foreign secretary has attended the meeting with 27 EU foreign ministers.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said on Monday that Britain is “resetting” the relationship with Europe to grow the UK economy and enhance its security.

“UK security is indivisible from European security. This government is determined to reset our relationships and deepen ties with our European partners in order to make us all safer.

“This visit is an opportunity for the UK to be back at the table, discussing the most pressing global issues with our closest neighbours and tackle the seismic challenges we all face,” Lammy said in a statement.

The discussions will focus on how the UK and EU can collaborate to address ongoing “Russian aggression and interference in Europe,” as well as the escalating crisis in the Middle East, with particular attention to the “ongoing threat posed by Iran.”

Deescalation in the Middle East is an area of shared interest for the UK and the EU. Earlier this month, the UK joined the G7 in calling on all regional players deescalate the current tensions, reiterating their commitment to the security of Israel.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called on Iran to stop its attacks on Israel, following a barrage of missiles fired on Oct. 1.

Ukraine will also be a hot topic at the EU27 meeting, where Lammy is set to address joint sanctions against Russia, coordinated training of Ukrainian troops, and humanitarian support.

“Ukraine is a prime example of how UK-EU collaboration makes a tangible impact,” the Foreign Office said.

Beyond Brexit

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell extended the invitation to Lammy, following Starmer’s recent visit to Brussels.

The UK prime minister has said he is determined to “move beyond Brexit” and deliver a broad-based security pact with the EU.

“The UK is undeniably stronger when it works in lockstep with its closest international partners. This has never been more important - with war, conflict and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door,” Starmer said in a statement.

Among the issues to be addressed through closer partnership with the EU is the rise in people trafficking across Europe and to the British shores.

Labour has committed to addressing the small boats crisis, which has brought hundreds of illegal immigrants to Britain via the English Channel. The party has launched a new Border Security Command, deploying hundreds of new investigators and cross-border police officers to combat human trafficking.

Labour wants to “rebuild relationships with key European allies, including France and Germany,” and seeks new bilateral agreements and closer cooperation with Joint Expeditionary Force partners, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

Economic Growth

During the discussions, Lammy will also participate in a working lunch with the attendees to continue addressing the issues in a more informal setting.

His attendance at the summit is meant to “highlight the importance of the UK working side-by-side with the European Union.” This includes discussions on economic growth and partnership.

While Labour is keen to eliminate what it describes as “unnecessary trade barriers” with the EU, Starmer has said that rejoining the single market and customs union is not up for renegotiation.

The EU as a whole is advocating for a youth mobility scheme, which would allow young Europeans to study and work in the UK on a visa-limited basis, with the same opportunity extended to British youth in the EU.

However, Starmer, who has vowed to reduce immigration, has said that “free movement is a red line.”