Key facts
- Keir Starmer experienced an awkward start at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, with key meetings delayed.
- Starmer faced questions about a potential leadership challenge from Andy Burnham.
- Unlike the previous year, there was no planned bilateral meeting between Starmer and Donald Trump.
- Starmer announced a £210 million energy support package for Ukraine and further sanctions on Russia.
- Starmer announced investments by French and Indian companies into British energy infrastructure and AI.
- The second UK-EU summit is scheduled for July 22.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's presence at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains was marked by an awkward start, with a key meeting delayed and his own political position under scrutiny due to a potential leadership challenge.
A session focused on Ukraine, scheduled for 9 am, began more than half an hour late with key figures like Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy absent. Starmer was observed standing with other leaders, seemingly not part of an ongoing discussion, prompting him to ask if a meeting was taking place.
The summit also coincided with domestic political pressure on Starmer, who faced questions about a potential leadership challenge from Andy Burnham following the Makerfield byelection. Starmer stated he would "fight" if such a challenge occurred.
Starmer's interactions with Donald Trump appeared less prominent than in the previous year, with no planned bilateral meeting. Starmer's team emphasized a "warm" relationship and a flexible schedule, with Starmer himself noting he had spent time with Trump at a leaders' dinner and spoken with him by phone.
Despite the perceived awkwardness, Starmer announced a £210 million energy support package for Ukraine and further sanctions on Russia. He also discussed potential British involvement in de-mining the Strait of Hormuz.
Starmer engaged with other world leaders, including meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. He announced investments by French and Indian companies into British energy infrastructure and AI, expected to create over 1,000 jobs. Additionally, the second UK-EU summit was announced for July 22.