U.K.'s Starmer hosts German chancellor Scholz in his country estate as he touts 'reset' with EU

British PM Keir Starmer hosts German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at Chequers to strengthen UK-EU relations and discuss Ukraine crisis.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to his country estate Sunday (February 2, 2025) on the eve of seeking to improve relations with the European Union.

Mr. Starmer hosted Mr. Scholz at Chequers, the prime minister's country residence in Buckinghamshire 50 kilometres northwest of London, before the two go to Belgium to meet with EU chiefs Monday, where the U.K. leader is aiming for a relationship “reset".

While ruling out rejoining the EU trade bloc five years after Brexit, Mr. Starmer said he wants to forge a closer relationship on defence, energy and trade.

“I think that is certainly in the UK's best interest, I do believe it's in the EU's best interest, and already I hope that in the last seven months there's been a manifest difference in approach, tone and relationship,” he said.

Mr. Starmer and Mr. Scholz discussed Ukraine and the Middle East, according to a spokesperson. The prime minister spoke of their common approach to “key issues and challenges,” including their shared commitment to Kyiv as the war with Russia enters its fourth year this month.

The two agreed that Russia's invasion had emphasised the need to beef up and coordinate defence production across Ukraine, according to a readout of the meeting from a Starmer spokesperson.

The U.K. and Germany signed a defence pact in October, described by officials as the first between two NATO member countries, to boost European security amid rising Russian aggression.