Today, and while the weather remains rainy in London, one could to notice that something has changed in the prime minister’s office in Downing Street. In addition to changing its occupant, the flag of Ukraine, which flew next to the flag of the United Kingdom (Union Jack), was replaced by that of England, also known as the St. George’s Cross.

This is not a message foreign policy that the new government wants to pass, but for a sign of the new British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s love for football and as the England national team make their own bid in the quarter-finals today of Euro 2024 in Germany.

But what is the new government’s approach to foreign policy? Statements on domestic issues such as the NHS, schools, housing have already been made, but none on foreign policy issues. It seems somewhat logical since they need delicate and diplomatic handling, which does not fit into one-word statements. But the work started early for the newly formed government. The first cabinet for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his 22 members has already been completed.

First stop Washington for 75 years of NATO

One thing is certain: that the new British Prime Minister he will soon be confronted by his partners abroad. Next week he will travel to Washington for the 75th anniversary of NATO, which begins on Tuesday. During the pre-election debate the Labor Party has openly stated that it is in favor of Ukraine joining the North Atlantic Treaty. At the same time, he made it clear that he will continue the military, economic, diplomatic and political support of the country as well as cooperation with the allies to make it difficult for Russia to continue this war, mainly through sanctions.

As for Israel’s war with Hamas, Labor is expected to face bigger problems. The party’s stance is similar to that of the previous government, while Starmer’s statements about “Israel’s right to defend itself” had angered some of his Muslim voters. It should be noted that the British Prime Minister has been a human rights lawyer, while at the same time he has stated that the two-state solution is the one that will bring long-term security and will continue to press for an immediate ceasefire.

On Brexit now and the neighboring EU single market, Starmer’s statements a day before the British election caused an impression. As he stated, Britain will not return to the EU or its single market or customs union during his lifetime, thus erasing the return scenarios. But he believes that he can make better trade arrangements, while he will seek a closer relationship with partners as well as new bilateral relations with allied countries, such as France and Germany. However, it is emphasized by the British media that all 22 members of the new cabinet had vote in favor of remaining in the country within the EU, in said referendum.

But the Labor Party has also dealt with Parthenon sculptures. It seems that the fixed position of the party, and of Keir Starmer personally, is that will not prevent any loan agreement between the two countries, but he doesn’t intend to either to change the law of the British state which prohibits the transfer of ownership of objects belonging to the British Museum (British Museum Act 1963).

The new “face” of foreign policy

But who will represent the UK abroad? It’s about him David Lammy. Born in London of Guyanese descent, he became the first black Briton to graduate from Harvard Law. At the age of 27, i.e. in 2000, he became the youngest Member of Parliament, while serving in the government of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

But despite his heavy resume there are already some critical comments about the position he is taking on. The Telegraph opinion piece entitled: “How the undiplomatic diplomat David Lammy he was commenting on world leaders (…) Now he has to work with those he attacked.”

For example, it has characterized Donald Trump in 2018 “pro-neo-nazi sociopath”, while in 2021 he called him an “enemy of democracy”. After the US election, he is considered likely to be the next US president.

As for Marine Le Pen now, whose party is leading in the first round of the French election, he has likened her to Donald Trump and Nigel Farage, citing “xenophobia and toxic views”.