Sir Keir Starmer and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof have pledged to enhance co-operation on tackling illegal migration and supporting Ukraine during their meeting at Downing Street on Thursday evening.
A Downing Street spokesperson described the talks as a reaffirmation of the UK-Netherlands partnership, highlighting the nations’ shared commitment to addressing global challenges. Key topics included combating organised crime and strengthening efforts against people-smuggling gangs facilitating illegal migration.
Sir Keir underscored the UK’s “iron-clad” support for Ukraine, with both leaders stressing the importance of ensuring Ukraine remains “in the strongest possible position” in the face of ongoing conflict.
Strengthening energy security and economic ties
Beyond security matters, the meeting also focused on energy security and economic co-operation. Sir Keir and Mr Schoof agreed to work towards a new agreement on sustainable energy, including nuclear power, aligning with Britain’s broader ambitions to boost green energy solutions.
Earlier on Thursday, the Prime Minister pledged to create thousands of highly skilled jobs through planning reforms aimed at facilitating the construction of new nuclear reactors. His commitment to nuclear energy aligns with efforts to bolster energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
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A partnership for the future
Mr Schoof, who took office as Prime Minister of the Netherlands on 2 July, just three days before Sir Keir assumed office in the UK, spoke warmly of the long-standing relationship between the two nations. He emphasised the deep ties in security and trade and expressed optimism about future collaboration.
Ahead of their discussions, Sir Keir commented:
“I feel that the partnership between our countries is as strong as it’s ever been on so many fronts, whether that’s security and defence, economic and trade issues, but also innovation. I think the ambition now is to take that further, but also to share our thinking on really important issues. Ukraine, where I think we share completely an understanding of the nature of the challenge and how we overcome it.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr Schoof added:
“The Dutch and the UK have a long-standing relationship… when it’s related to security, when it’s related to our people.”
A united front on global challenges
As Europe faces mounting security concerns and economic challenges, the meeting between Sir Keir and Mr Schoof signals a commitment to deepening bilateral ties. Their shared determination to combat illegal migration and strengthen energy security reflects a broader vision of stability and co-operation.
With new agreements on the horizon and a reinforced commitment to global security, the UK-Netherlands partnership appears poised to grow even stronger in the years ahead.
