No More ‘Basket-case Britain’: Europe Welcomes Starmer Reset in UK-EU Ties

THE GUARDIAN: PM’s promise to draw line under years of factious relations greeted with plaudits and relief by European media

Keir Starmer’s promised “reset” of the UK’s ties with the rest of Europe has drawn a positive response in European media, with one longtime journalist rejoicing that she will never again have to cover “Britain as a basket case”.

The prime minister told leaders at a meeting of the European Political Community at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire on Thursday that he wanted to draw a line under years of fractious relations with the rest of Europe. The relaunch was greeted with a sense of relief that after years of chaotic leadership in London a new age of cooperation was beginning.

Annette Dittert, the longtime London correspondent for the German public broadcaster ARD, was effusive about the vibe shift.

“Starmer managed to restore Britain’s reputation in Europe within a day. Astonishing achievement in such (a) short time,” Dittert tweeted. “‘[W]ithin a day’ is maybe a bit over the top, but still: what a complete change of tone and such a relief not having to report on Britain as a basket case any more.”

Der Spiegel noted that “after the long ice age between Berlin and London”, the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and Starmer got along well. It said the new prime minister’s performance in Blenheim could mark the beginning of a new “tandem” for Europe. » | Lisa O'Carroll, Deborah Cole and Sam Jones | Friday, July 19, 2024