UK’s post-Brexit leadership tested by Ukraine

[LONDON] Many Brexiteers had hoped, following the UK’s exit from the European Union, that London would show greater global political and economic leadership. Yet, for almost a decade after the 2016 Brexit referendum, UK governments largely failed to deliver.

Fast forward to 2025, however, and the political vacuum left by the Trump team’s stance towards Ukraine may now deliver a window of opportunity for the UK to lead. Around two weeks ago, Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a Lancaster House summit of Nato allies in London, other than the US.

On Saturday (Mar 15), he followed up with a meeting of more than two dozen leaders from Europe, Canada, and beyond, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Further-flung leaders also joined, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The group also has the backing of wider nations, including Japan.