David Lammy is attending a summit of EU ministers today as Keir Starmer’s Brexit ‘reset’ gathers pace.
The Foreign Secretary is joining counterparts for talks in Luxembourg, with the agenda including cooperation on the Middle East crisis and the Ukraine war.
He was greeted warmly by EU high representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Josep Borrell as he arrived.
It is the first time in two years the UK has been at such a gathering, and that on occasion Liz Truss took part amid the response to the Russian invasion.
Although European security will be the main focus, it is being seen as another step in Sir Keir’s drive for closer relations with the bloc.
On a recent visit to Brussels the PM pledged to move beyond Brexit and forge tighter links in areas such as trade and illegal migration.
However, there are fears that the UK could be forced into concessions, such as joining an EU-wide scheme for sharing the burden of asylum seekers.
Topics today will include continued Russian aggression and interference across the continent, as well as the threat posed by Iran in the Middle East.
Mr Lammy said: ‘UK security is indivisible from European security. This Government is determined to reset our relationships and deepen ties with our European partners in order to make us all safer.
‘This visit is an opportunity for the UK to be back at the table, discussing the most pressing global issues with our closest neighbours and tackle the seismic challenges we all face.’
The Foreign Office have said UK attendance at the meeting will be part of more regular engagement, with plans for closer working on international affairs.
Earlier this month Sir Keir met European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for talks in Brussels, promising to offer ‘pragmatic, sensible leadership’.
Ms von der Leyen said the various arrangements put in place since the Brexit vote, including the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA), needed to be fully implemented.