Sir Keir Starmer was seen grinning and laughing as he welcomed European leaders to Blenheim Palace on Thursday.
The Prime Minister was hosting leaders from across Europe at the European Political Community summit at the Oxfordshire residence.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “We cannot let the challenges of the recent past define our relationships of the future.
“That is why European security will be at the forefront of this Government’s foreign and defence priorities, and why I am focused on seizing this moment to renew our relationship with Europe.
“The EPC will fire the starting gun on this government’s new approach to Europe, one that will not just benefit us now, but for generations to come, from dismantling the people smuggling webs trafficking people across Europe, to standing up to Putin’s barbaric actions in Ukraine and destabilising activity across Europe.
“My government was elected with a mandate for change. I asked the British people to judge me by my actions, not words.
“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.”
He also said he will never withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights as he set out his plan for dealing with illegal migration.
The Prime Minister said he wants further co-operation on tackling illegal migration between European countries at a summit of the European Political Community.
He told the European Political Community summit’s opening plenary: “We are resetting our approach here.
“This Government will not commit taxpayer money to gimmicks. We are here to serve our country in the national interest in pursuit of solutions that will actually deliver results.
“More than that, we will approach this issue with humanity and with a profound respect for international law.
“And that’s why we scrapped the unworkable Rwanda scheme on day one. And it’s why we will never withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights.”
Sir Keir told Europe’s leaders the UK would be a “friend and a partner ready to work with you” and “not part of the European Union, but very much part of Europe.”
With all this in mind, do you think Starmer will take us back into the EU? Have your say.
