Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk shared his aspiration for the United Kingdom to rejoin the European Union, coining the term "Breturn," during a visit by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

to Warsaw. The meeting focused on deepening UK-Polish defence ties amid growing concerns over Russian aggression.

A "dream" of renewed cooperation

Speaking at a joint press conference, Mr. Tusk reflected on his time as President of the European Council during the Brexit referendum. He recalled his emotional reaction to the UK's decision to leave the EU, saying, "I already miss you," and expressed optimism about a potential "Breturn." While acknowledging that his hope might be a dream, he emphasized the importance of maintaining close ties between the UK and the EU.

Sir Keir, who played a prominent role in Brexit negotiations as Labour's shadow Brexit secretary, reiterated his stance against rejoining the customs union or single market. However, he emphasized his commitment to strengthening the UK's post-Brexit relationship with Brussels.

Defence pact to bolster security

The discussions in Warsaw centered on a new UK-Polish defence treaty aimed at countering Russian aggression, combating cyber threats, and tackling people-smuggling networks. Mr. Tusk expressed confidence that the treaty would be ratified within the year.

Sir Keir announced a £4 billion joint project to develop next-generation air defence systems in Poland, headquartered in Bristol. Over the past three years, the UK has secured £8 billion in defence deals with Poland, reinforcing the partnership between the two NATO allies.

He also dismissed suggestions of creating a European army, clarifying that recent defence meetings were focused on enhancing cooperation rather than establishing new military forces.

Harrowing Visit to Auschwitz

As part of his visit, Sir Keir and his wife Victoria, who is Jewish, toured the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum ahead of the 80th anniversary of the camp's liberation. Describing the experience as "utterly harrowing," Sir Keir paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, reflecting on the preserved artifacts that bore witness to the atrocities.

Support for Ukraine

Prior to arriving in Poland, Sir Keir made a surprise visit to Kyiv, where he reaffirmed the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine. In an interview, he suggested that British troops could participate in future peacekeeping efforts as part of the UK's role in any negotiated settlement.

Economic Cooperation

During his visit, Sir Keir also engaged with Polish businesses, including InPost, a parcel locker operator planning to invest an additional £600 million in the UK over the next five years. The investment is expected to create up to 12,000 jobs, contributing to a total £1 billion investment by the company in the UK.

This visit underscored the enduring partnership between the UK and Poland, with defence, economic ties, and shared values at the forefront of their discussions. Photo by ChiralJon, Wikimedia commons.