What UK's foreign policy would be like under Labour?
1. Labour says it is committed to recognising a Palestinian state and pushing for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
**Keir Starmer's First Month as Prime Minister: Key International Engagements and Policies**
### International Diplomacy:
1. **NATO 75th Anniversary Summit**:
- **Date**: Next Tuesday to Thursday.
- **Location**: Washington, D.C.
- **Purpose**: Starmer will meet with international leaders including US President Joe Biden.
2. **European Political Community Meeting**:
- **Date**: July 18.
- **Location**: Blenheim Palace, near Oxford, England.
- **Expected Attendees**: France's Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Olaf Scholz.
### Foreign Policy Overview:
**"Progressive Realism"**:
- Acknowledging global volatility and addressing it pragmatically.
**Brexit**:
- Pledge to "make Brexit work" with an ambitious security pact with the EU.
### Major International Issues:
1. **Israel-Palestinian Conflict**:
- Commitment to recognize a Palestinian state to contribute to a two-state solution.
- Push for a ceasefire, release of hostages, and increased aid to Gaza.
2. **China**:
- A comprehensive audit of the UK's relationship with China.
- Aim to reduce dependency on China in trade, commerce, and technology.
- Balance economic interests with security imperatives.
- Potential complications with a possible Trump return in the US, who may pressure allies for tougher policies against Beijing.
3. **Europe**:
- Collaboration with all European governments, including France's far-right National Rally (RN) if in power.
- Strengthen bilateral agreements with France to address migrant issues and combat smuggling gangs.
- Pursue EU-wide security measures and agreements.
4. **Ukraine**:
- Continued support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
- Expected early meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to reaffirm support.
- No current plans for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Starmer identifies as the aggressor.
5. **Defence Spending**:
- Conduct a strategic defence review within the first year of government.
- Aim to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.
