A whirlwind of international diplomacy for the new PM – but it will only get harder from here

The new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has had a whirlwind start to his term with his first NATO summit. Just a week after the exit poll predicted a landslide majority for him, Sir Keir and his team are leaving the summit satisfied that their objectives were met.

The main aims of the trip were to engage in speed-dating diplomacy and to outline foreign policy priorities regarding Russia, Ukraine, and Europe. One senior government figure described the summit as “great” due to the opportunity to meet with many world leaders in Sir Keir’s first full week in office.

While there is continuity in Sir Keir’s approach to NATO and Ukraine, with a re-commitment to funding and a call for increased defense spending, there is also a desire for change in relations with European partners. The new administration aims to deepen trade, security, and defense ties with European neighbors and to move past the Brexit-related tensions of previous Conservative governments.

However, the challenges are not limited to international diplomacy. The Prime Minister will also have to address domestic issues, such as the prisons crisis, upon returning home. As one member of the Number 10 team noted, “We’re well aware this is the honeymoon.” The road ahead will only get tougher for Sir Keir and his government as they navigate both international and domestic challenges.