Security at heart of UK's reset with Europe, Keir Starmer to tell world leaders

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce a significant shift in his government’s foreign policy at the European Political Community (EPC) summit, emphasizing enhanced cooperation with Europe to tackle organized immigration crime and strengthen border security.

According to a UK government statement, he will underscore the necessity of collective action to address Europe's multifaceted challenges.

"The magnitude of compounding challenges facing Europe cannot be solved alone," Starmer is expected to say. "Countries must work collectively to deliver solutions that rebalance the equation."

He will emphasize the UK's commitment to upholding democratic values and international law, as well as ensuring economic and financial security for working people.

As a testament to this new direction, he will announce the redeployment of over 100 Home Office staff from the Migration and Economic Development Partnership (MEDP) to a newly established rapid returns unit aimed at tightening border control.

He will also pledge to spearhead a Europe-wide initiative to combat organized immigration crime and dismantle people smuggling rings.

This initiative will be carried out in collaboration with Europol, Frontex, and individual member states.

With irregular migration on the rise, Starmer will highlight that over 380,000 people entered the EU through irregular routes last year, marking a 17% increase from the previous year.

"We cannot let the challenges of the recent past define our relationships of the future," Starmer will assert.

"European security will be at the forefront of this government’s foreign and defence priorities. This meeting of European leaders is an opportunity to push on and begin delivering on the people’s priorities. We will only be able to secure our borders, drive economic growth, and defend our democracies if we work together."

The government's new Border Security Bill, announced by King Charles III in his speech, aims to give the new Border Security Command counter-terrorism powers to combat organized immigration crime.

The legislation will allow smugglers to be prosecuted for pre-existing offenses such as supplying materials to facilitate organized immigration crime.

The EPC commenced its fourth summit in the UK on Thursday, bringing leaders from around 45 European countries to Blenheim Palace.

The summit agenda includes critical discussions about Ukraine, energy, democracy protection and irregular migration.

Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, is approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) from London and serves as the historic venue for the gathering.

Premier Starmer is hosting his first international meeting since taking office on July 6, and he will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris on the sidelines of the summit, though the exact locations of these bilateral meetings are not disclosed for security reasons.

King Charles III will also participate by hosting a reception for the summit attendees, adding a royal dimension to the event.