Starmer to join Macron on Armistice Day in Paris to show European solidarity
GuardianNOV 2024
Starmer's attendance in Paris at the personal invitation of Macron is a sign that relations between the UK and its European partners are finally beginning to heal post-Brexit. Given Germany's ongoing governmental collapse and uncertainty surrounding the decisions Pres.-elect Donald Trump may take in his second term, it's more important than ever that the likes of France and the UK come together in a sign of strength.
While Macron and Starmer's Armistice Day meeting may beserve as a successful media stunt, it's unlikely outsideto ofensure themeaningful exchangechange ofbeyond superficial pleasantries the event will ensure meaningful change. Migrants continue to illegally enter both the UK and France at record rates, while Europe remains unprepared to effectively defend itself if Trump decides to pull US support for NATO and Ukraine. Handshakes and photos are not enough to solve the growing list of crises.
The true purpose of Starmer and Macron's meeting is clear — to push America to green-light the use of Western weapons in Russian sovereign territory. Despite repeated warnings by Moscow that any such action would be viewed as a major conflict escalation, it seems as if the UK, France, and its European partners are adamant about continuing their forever wars for personal gain.
There is a 6% chance of a direct conflict between Russia and any NATO member state before 2027, according to the Metaculus prediction community.