A whirlwind fortnight of diplomacy aimed at reframing the relationship with Europe after 14 years of Conservative rule will continue on Thursday, when the UK hosts the European Political Community (EPC) summit at Blenheim Palace.
Radosław Sikorski, Poland’s foreign minister, told The Telegraph Mr Lammy’s visit had been a “great success”.
He predicted that the EPC, a meeting of non-EU and EU leaders every six months, was a chance for Sir Keir to restate the case for the security deal.
“Definitely. It can send the message that Britain is a European player in the security sphere,” he said.
Other Brussels sources said there was “cautious optimism” about the new UK government, although they warned that trust had to be rebuilt and that Britain could not expect an easy ride in negotiations just because the Tories were out of power.
Another EU official said there was “a good vibe” from the new Government. “It is a positive outreach and that we are ready to keep working with the new government in a constructive manner,” the official said. “We look forward to the EPC.”
Mark Francois, the chairman of the European Research Group of Tory MPs, saw danger signs in the diplomatic blitz.
“I have always believed that Sir Keir Starmer ‘Remains a Remainer’ at heart – and I suspect we are about to see that begin to play out,” he said.
“Crucially, nothing in Labour’s 2024 Manifesto overrides the decision in the 2016 Referendum to Leave the EU and we need to constantly remind Labour of that, going forward.”