The UK has sought to cultivate a closer relationship with the EU, though efforts have always been complicated by the strength of feeling this issue provokes
Almost two years after taking office, Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Britain’s prime minister – a decision that came after weeks of growing criticism and a series of high-profile departures from his cabinet.
The tipping point came on Friday, when Starmer’s biggest challenger, Andy Burnham, won a crucial by-election to become an MP, without which he would not be able to lead the Labour Party and assume the premiership.
While, in theory, the next prime minister could be in office by 16 July, the upheaval has prompted the EU to cancel a key summit with the UK, which had been scheduled for 22 July.
“We are reassessing the opportunity of this new summit. But my wish is that his successor could give continuity on this good path to reset our relationship with the UK,” said António Costa, the president of the European Council.
