Britain’s Labor Party, as predicted by numerous forecasts and poll results, won the election, returning to power after 14 years in opposition. Keir Starmer became the country’s new prime minister.
Ukrainians, who at one time sadly said goodbye to the prime ministership of Boris Johnson and have already managed to sympathize with Rishi Sunak, are once again worried: what will be the policy of Great Britain in the international arena and will the attitude towards Ukraine change?
Labor carried out an election campaign under the ambitious name “Time for Change”. And indeed, many of these changes are planned. At the same time, the policy regarding Ukraine and Russia is not included in this list, as well as a number of other unshakable principles and views, in particular regarding the European Union.
Outside the EU
This slogan remains unchanged, because the Labor Party does not plan to return Great Britain to the European Union. This means Britain will no longer be part of the EU’s single market, customs union or free movement system that allows EU citizens to live and work in any country in the bloc.
At the same time, the Labor Party hopes to improve relations with the EU, which have been damaged after Brexit. They seek to reduce barriers to trade, simplify customs procedures and eliminate unnecessary inspections of goods. In particular, the party wants to conclude a so-called veterinary agreement with the EU, which will prevent unnecessary border checks of products of animal origin. This is expected to streamline food trade between the UK and the EU.
In plans and shifts related to the labor market. Labor wants professional qualifications gained in the UK and EU countries to be mutually recognized and make life easier for professionals on both sides of the border.
Labor is also planning a new security deal with the EU, favoring key European countries such as France and Germany. New agreements with individual EU countries are also expected.
NATO
The Labor Party firmly supports NATO and considers it the basis of security for Europe and the world through nuclear deterrence. It intends to cooperate with other countries to strengthen and reform this organization, as well as other important international institutions, to respond effectively to today’s global challenges. With Keir Starmer, Labor is committing to spending 2.5% of GDP on defense as soon as possible.
Iron loyalty to Ukraine
The party promises to continue comprehensive support of Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. It supports efforts to hold Russia accountable through the creation of a Special Tribunal and the confiscation of frozen Russian assets in favor of Ukraine. In addition, the Labor Party seeks to promote Ukraine’s accession to NATO, which is an important strategic step.
We will remind that in May, two shadow ministers visited Kyiv, where they assured the leadership of our country that “obligations of the next Labor government to Ukraine will be iron-clad, and European security will be our top foreign and defense priority.”
Policy towards Russia remains unchanged. More precisely, it is becoming even tougher, which is due to the escalation of relations in May, when Great Britain accused Russia of organizing a fire at a Ukrainian enterprise in London, sent the defense attaché as an undeclared intelligence agent (although he held this position for 10 years) and revoked the diplomatic status of a number of buildings owned or leased by Russia().
The assessment of the Russian ambassador Andriy Kelin, which he made, is also eloquent provided Labor manifesto: “The program of the Labor Party of Great Britain reflects the anti-Russian position of the political establishment of the United Kingdom.”
Middle East
The Labor Party supports an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, compliance with international law and increased humanitarian aid. It also recognizes the Palestinian people’s right to statehood and supports a two-state solution to ensure Israel’s long-term security.
The US is a key ally
The Party considers the United States an indispensable ally and will continue to work closely together based on shared values and interests, including economic, defense and intelligence cooperation.
Cautious relations with China
The Labor Party intends to approach relations with China strategically, cooperating where possible, competing where necessary and challenging where necessary. She will also support the Hong Kong community in the UK.
Support for international development
Labor plans to restore spending on international development to 0.7% of gross national income as soon as economic conditions permit. The party seeks to conclude new free trade agreements and sectoral agreements to promote services exports and modernize international trade rules.
