Some 50 European leaders today gathered in the United Kingdom for the fourth meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) as the UK aims to reshape ties with Europe amid global challenges. Hosting the first major UK-led summit of his premiership, Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the leaders to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. 

Addressing the opening plenary, the UK prime minister said that under his leadership, Britain will be a “friend and a partner to Europe. He said the UK is ready to work with the European Union, not focusing on the differences between us, but on the shared values that we share. According to a statement by Downing Street ahead of the meeting, the UK government will discuss closer collaboration to tackle illegal immigration and greater security cooperation with its European counterpart, among other issues. As per the media reports, Starmer is trying to reset the UK’s strained post-Brexit relations with Europe.