Keir Starmer attends the Paris Peace Ceremony on Monday as the UK and France strengthen ties, ahead of potential changes in US policy under a Donald Trump presidency.”
Keir Starmer made history on Monday as the first British prime minister to take part in armistice ceremonies in France since World War II.. On this occasion, both the UK and France seem to be strengthening their relations ahead of the upcoming presidency of Donald Trump.
Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, paid tribute to the French and British soldiers who died in World War I, as well as veterans from later conflicts, in Paris, as reported by 10 Downing Street.
The last British leader to attend a commemoration in the French capital is former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who was invited to France in 1944 at the invitation of General Charles de Gaulle.
The British Prime Minister is seeking to strengthen ties with France, having previously pledged to strengthen ties with Europe and give a ‘fresh start’ to the EU post-Brexit. are.
Ahead of Monday’s commemoration, Strummer held a bilateral meeting with Macron, discussing a range of topics including Russia’s war in Ukraine, European security and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The two leaders reiterated their commitment to work in close coordination and assured Ukraine of full and unwavering support against Russia’s aggressive war, which will continue until until it is needed,” The French government issued a statement saying this
Trump has hinted that he might reduce the US’s support for Ukraine’s war efforts, even going as far as claiming during his campaign that he could resolve the conflict “in one day.”
With his inauguration in January approaching, European allies are preparing for a potential decline in US funding for Ukraine. Last week, Macron emphasized that Europe must take control of its own future, especially at this critical moment for the continent. he stares ; We cannot depend on American security indefinitely
According to British media, it was also anticipated that Starmer and Macron would discuss trade relations and the possible effects of a Trump presidency. The Guardian described their meeting as “a clear demonstration of European unity, just days after Trump’s re-election.”
During his campaign, Trump also vowed to impose a 10% tariff on imported goods. This has raised concerns in the UK, where the US is the largest trading partner, making up over 17% of the country’s a total trade.