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Foreign Secretary David Lammy will today reinforce closer UK-EU cooperation on global issues by attending the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg
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Foreign Secretary to join the group of 27 EU Ministers for the first time in more than two years
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UK will use the meeting to engage with its closest neighbours on plans to reset European relations, the Middle East and ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine
The UK Government will today (Monday 14 October) signal its ambition to engage more closely with the EU on foreign affairs as the Foreign Secretary joins counterparts in Luxembourg.
Taking a seat at the table of the Foreign Affairs Council with all 27 EU Foreign Ministers, the talks will focus on the main challenges facing European security. This will include discussions on how the UK and EU can work together to tackle continued Russian aggression and interference across the continent, as well as the escalating crisis in the Middle East, including the ongoing threat posed by Iran.
The trip, at the invitation of Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, follows the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Brussels where he committed to move beyond Brexit and make the UK’s relationship with the EU work for the British people.
UK attendance at the meeting will be part of more regular engagement, with plans for closer working on international affairs and to strengthen the UK-EU partnership on security matters to be set out after discussions with Josep Borrell in Luxembourg to deliver for Britons and our fellow Europeans.
Foreign Secretary David 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 Secretary’s attendance will highlight the importance of the UK working side-by-side with the European Union on foreign policy issues.
Ukraine is a prime example of how UK-EU collaboration makes a tangible impact. Joint sanctions depriving Russia of hundreds of billions of pounds; coordinated training of Ukrainian troops providing them with the skills they need, and working together on humanitarian support to target those most in need.
