The European Union has stated that, following the resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, it is ‘reviewing’ plans for the summit on 22 July in consultation with the UK.
“Regarding the EU-UK summit… we are reviewing, together with President Costa and the UK, the possibility of holding the summit as announced last week,” said European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinhão.
European Council President António Costa stated that the planned summit should be postponed following Starmer’s announcement of his resignation.
“We certainly need to postpone it for now, but we are reviewing the possibility of holding this new summit. My hope is that his successor will ensure continuity on this path towards a reset of our relations with Britain,” said Costa in Brussels, as quoted by Reuters.
Last week, both sides announced plans for a summit in Brussels, at which Starmer was due to meet with senior EU officials Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa.
On 22 June, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his intention to step down as Prime Minister and as leader of the Labour Party. The name of the new Prime Minister will be announced in September
As reported by the Observer, citing sources, the day before the resignation announcement, Starmer was facing increasing pressure from the Labour Party leadership, including members of his own cabinet. A growing number of MPs are backing Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, as the next Labour leader and Prime Minister.
However, according to media reports, Starmer is unlikely to step down as early as 22 June. He is expected to remain Prime Minister for the coming weeks, during which his successor will be chosen. It is unclear whether the election for the new party leader will involve several candidates or whether Burnham will receive sufficient support to be immediately declared Starmer’s successor.