Labour aiming to draw closer to Europe on foreign and security issues

The move, which is likely to trigger Conservative claims that Labour is prepared to abandon an independent foreign policy, builds on a pledge by Keir Starmer’s party to try to negotiate a new security pact with the EU after the 2024 UK election.

Figures such as Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, have attended meetings of the foreign affairs council but the UK has avoided this, preferring bilateral discussions with like-minded foreign ministers, especially Germany and the Nordic countries.

In a wide-ranging article for Foreign Affairs magazine, Lammy hints at the idea, writing: “Given the difficult debates ahead with the US about defence burden-sharing it is ever more important that the UK develop closer foreign and security cooperation with the EU.

From Ukraine to Gaza and the Sahel there is a conflict and instability near Europe’s borders that affects the UK and the continent’s interests equally.

He also suggests the UK could forge closer links with France, Germany and Poland by joining their “Weimar triangle”.

In addition, Lammy believes relations with Ireland are ripe for improvement and also proposes a defence partnership with Germany similar to the longstanding one with France.