Prime Minister Keir Starmer begins a pivotal week in international diplomacy, with the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine setting the stage for discussions on European security. Today, he will take part in virtual meetings with G7 leaders and European counterparts, live-streamed on the Ukraine Government’s Youtube account, pressing for British inclusion in any peace talks. Later this week, Starmer heads to Washington for his “biggest diplomatic test to date” with President Trump, where he will navigate discussions on defence commitments, NATO’s future, and the West’s broader stance toward Russia. His visit will be watched closely for signals on how his administration stands against the new US president, who continues to throw international norms out the door with a wilful flourish.
German election results have intensified the discussions on European security, with the Christian Democratic Union leader Friedrich Merz calling for greater European independence from the U.S. His party, having won the election but falling short of its expected 30 percent vote share, now faces the challenge of forming a government, most likely with Olaf Scholz’s struggling Social Democrats. Merz has vowed to strengthen Europe’s defence posture, citing concerns over Donald Trump’s apparent indifference toward the continent’s security and his administration’s vocal support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which surged to a record 20.8 percent second-place finish. AfD’s rise, fuelled by economic discontent and high-profile social media campaigns, has raised alarm across Europe - Merz dismissed the party as exploiting unsolved problems.
Beyond defence, UK-India trade talks are set to resume this week after a long delay due to elections in both countries. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is in New Delhi for negotiations aimed at securing tariff reductions on British exports like Scotch whisky and luxury cars, but the talks could be complicated by India’s push for greater visa access for its workers. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is likely to resist any deal that increases migration, creating potential tensions within the Labour frontbench. Meanwhile, concerns over a domestic labour shortage continue to grow, with the construction sector warning the UK needs 25,000 more bricklayers to meet housing targets… a sigh of frustration resounds in Rayner’s office this morning.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy will address the Commons today on Ukraine, setting the tone for a week of international focus. He is expected to emphasise that any negotiations on ending the war must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, aligning with the message Starmer will (attempt to) take to Washington. Later in the week, Starmer will host Ukrainian nationals at Downing Street, marking the third anniversary of the conflict with a symbolic show of solidarity. Additional UK sanctions on Russian figures are expected to be announced, building on the Home Office’s move to ban more Putin-linked oligarchs from entering the country.
Closer to home, London Fashion Week, which concludes today, has highlighted the financial struggles of Britain’s creative industries. Running over the last four days, the event has struggled to match the global reach of New York, Paris, and Milan, with fewer major designers showcasing collections. Nevertheless, British talent remains influential, with high-profile names such as Harris Reed and SS Daley using the platform to celebrate the country’s cultural heritage - Florence Pugh hit headlines for her Maleficent 80s-esque shoulders pads. The economic challenges facing the industry are a reminder of the importance of soft power, a theme that will also play into discussions on the UK’s global influence this week.
By the end of the week, Starmer’s White House visit is set to define his early foreign policy stance, a balancing act teetering on a fine line between European ambitions for strategic independence and maintaining the ever sanctified special relationship. The response to his trip—both at home and abroad—will offer the first real test of how his leadership is perceived on the global stage.
What’s On in Parliament
Monday 24th February
House of Commons
- Oral Questions: Home Office
- Select Committee Nomination: Environmental Audit Committee
- Westminster Hall Debate: e-petition relating to a minimum age for social media
House of Lords
- Oral Questions: The Emergency Service Network programme
- Legislation: Non-Domestic Rating (Multiple and Private Schools Bill) – committee stage (day 1)
- Legislation: Mental Health Bill – committee stage (day 5)
Tuesday 25th February
House of Commons
- Oral Questions: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
- Legislation: Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education: Second reading
- Westminster Hall debate: Provision of affordable rural housing
House of Lords
- Oral Questions: Implementation of the Single Trade Window as set out in the 2025 UK Border Strategy
- Legislation: National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill – report stage
- Legislation: Great British Energy Bill – third reading
Wednesday 26th February
House of Commons
- Oral Questions: Northern Ireland
- Westminster Hall debate: High street bank closures and banking hubs
- Westminster Hall debate: Implementation of the Online Safety Act
House of Lords
- Oral Questions: The role of the Court of Justice of the European Union in seeking a “reset: of relations with the European Union
- Oral Questions: Support for drama schools and other creative courses in higher education
- Legislation: Product Regulation and Metrology Bill – report stage
Thursday 27th February
House of Commons
- Oral Questions: Culture, Media and Sport
- Backbench Business: General debate on the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine
- Westminster Hall debate: Women’s health
House of Lords
- Oral Questions: Ensuring that rents in the private rented sector are affordable
- Oral Questions: Introduction of a national screening programme for prostate cancer
- Legislation: Non-Domestic Rating (Multiple and Private Schools) Bill – committee stage (day 2)
Friday 28th February
House of Commons
- The House of Commons is not sitting. The House will next sit on 3rd March 2025.
House of Lords
- The House of Lords is not sitting. The House will next sit on 3rd March 2025.
Consultations
- Consultation on introducing permitted insurance fees for landlords, freeholders and property managing agents – closes 24th February
- Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime – closes 26th February
- Review of Ofgem: call for evidence – closes 28th February
- Credit Union Common Bond Reform – closes 6th March
Statistics
- Sustainable Farming Incentive action uptake data January 2025 – published 20th February
- UK trade in numbers – published 20th February
- Public opinions and social trends, Great Britian: January 2025 – published 21st February
- Retail Sales, Great Britian: January 2025 – published 21st February