UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken of the “huge amount of common ground” he shares with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following a bilateral meeting at Downing Street. The discussions, which took place ahead of a summit on Ukraine and European security, focused on strengthening ties between the two nations and ensuring continued Western unity.
Strengthening UK-Italy relations
Welcoming Ms Meloni to Downing Street on Sunday, Sir Keir expressed his appreciation for their close working relationship. Speaking at a press conference at Lancaster House, he light-heartedly remarked that they had shared “the first bilateral brunch in the history of British-Italian relations.”
Beyond the humour, the Prime Minister underscored the seriousness of their discussions, particularly on the importance of maintaining a strong alliance between Europe and the United States.
“We get on personally very well, and she’s very clear—though I won’t speak for her—that Europe and the US must stand together, and that bond must always be strong. There’s a huge amount of common ground between the way I see this and the way Giorgia sees this, particularly in ensuring that the security and defence of Italy, Europe, and the United Kingdom remain closely aligned with the United States.”
A call for unity in a time of crisis
Ms Meloni echoed Sir Keir’s sentiments, stressing the need for close coordination among Western nations. She described this moment as “precious,” highlighting the importance of dialogue and cooperation.
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“We are all very committed to achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and I think it is very, very important that we avoid the risk of division in the West. If we divide ourselves, that will make us all weaker.”
She also emphasised Italy’s role in fostering unity, suggesting that a meeting between US and European leaders could help prevent discord.
Migration and security among key issues
Downing Street confirmed that the two leaders discussed several pressing issues, including tackling migration and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. A spokesperson stated that both leaders reaffirmed the strength of UK-Italy relations, describing their meeting as “warm and constructive.”
“They agreed on the importance of the transatlantic alliance in confronting shared challenges. The strength of the UK-Italy relationship is as vital now as it has ever been.”
The discussion also reinforced both nations’ commitment to Ukraine, with Sir Keir and Ms Meloni pledging to stand with the country for “as long as it takes.”
A unified front moving forward
With tensions in Europe remaining high, the meeting between the UK and Italian leaders signals a continued effort to maintain unity and strengthen ties. As global leaders gather to discuss security and defence, both Sir Keir and Ms Meloni have positioned their nations as key players in ensuring that Western alliances remain firm.
As the summit progresses, the focus will remain on how European leaders, in collaboration with the US, can continue to support Ukraine while addressing other global security concerns. Sir Keir’s meeting with Ms Meloni highlights the growing importance of UK-Italy relations in shaping the future of European defence and diplomacy.
