David Lammy, Labour's newly appointed foreign secretary, has committed to resetting relations with the European Union and advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, while

also seeking to build connections with Donald Trump's Republican Party.

The centre-left Labour Party achieved a sweeping victory in Thursday's parliamentary election, ending 14 years of Conservative governance and promising significant change for Britain.

Although the party's election manifesto primarily emphasized domestic priorities, Lammy faces an extensive list of international issues.

Middle East Focus

Labour has pledged to prioritize long-term peace and security in the Middle East, with a commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state as part of a renewed peace process aiming for a two-state solution.

US Relations

Lammy, 51, has traveled extensively, particularly to the United States, working to establish ties with Republicans despite his past criticisms of Trump, whom he once labeled a "woman-hating, neo-Nazi sociopath" in Time magazine.

He has engaged with prominent Republican figures, including Mike Pompeo, who are potential candidates for a future Trump administration. Lammy also maintains strong connections with leading Democrats and is a close friend of former President Barack Obama, sharing an alma mater in Harvard Law School.

Common Cause with Trump

In a speech during a visit to the US in May, Lammy stated that Labour would collaborate with the United States "whatever the weather and whoever wins" and would seek "common cause" with Trump.

"I do not believe that he is arguing that the U.S. should abandon Europe. He wants Europeans to do more to ensure a better-defended Europe," Lammy remarked.

"While his words in office were shocking, U.S. spending on European defense actually increased under President Trump, as did the defense spending of the wider alliance during his tenure."

European Union Relations

Lammy, the son of Guyanese immigrants and representative of an inner-London constituency, has been a long-time advocate for social and racial justice. He supported remaining in the European Union during the 2016 referendum. Although Labour has pledged that Britain will remain outside the EU, it aims to reset and deepen the relationship, including through a new UK-EU security pact.

Stance on Marine Le Pen

Lammy has previously criticized Marine Le Pen of France's far-right National Rally (RN) as xenophobic and malevolent. Polls suggest her party may win the most seats in the upcoming French parliamentary election but fall short of an absolute majority.

"France is one of Britain's closest allies, and we will work with whoever is elected. It is a democracy, and it is up to the French people who governs them," Lammy stated earlier this week. "We will wait to see what happens in the second round on July 7." Photo by Policy Exchange, Wikimedia commons.