Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (right) and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (left) at a press conference on the emergency situation at the Prime Minister’s Office in Warsaw. Photo: Marcin Obara
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he dreams of the UK’s return to the European Union, calling it “Breturn” rather than Brexit. He made the statement during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Warsaw, Sky News reports.
“My first emotional reaction to the Brexit referendum result was: ‘I miss you already’. It’s not just emotions, it’s my vision – my dream that instead of Brexit, we get Brexit,” Tusk said.
Co-operation in times of challenge
Although Keir Starmer did not express support for a return to the customs union or the single market, he stressed the desire to deepen cooperation between London and Brussels. Particular attention was paid to security, combating human trafficking and deterring Russian aggression.
The two leaders announced the conclusion of a new defence pact between the UK and Poland, which provides for strengthening cooperation in the defence industry. Starmer said that as part of this partnership, a joint office will be set up in Bristol to develop new air defence systems.
“We share NATO’s unwavering commitment to and support for Ukraine,” the British Prime Minister said.
Support for Ukraine and concerns over the US
Amid fears of a possible change in US policy towards Ukraine after Donald Trump’s inauguration, Starmer called on European leaders to redouble their efforts to support Kyiv.
“We must not let this be a moment when we give up. This is a time to redouble our efforts,” Starmer said.
During his visit to Poland, the British prime minister also met with Polish President Andrzej Duda, with whom he agreed that support for Ukraine would continue as long as necessary.
Unity against common threats
The meeting between Tusk and Starmer demonstrated the coherence between London and Warsaw in countering threats, including Russian aggression and human trafficking networks. The joint statement said that the countries would continue to coordinate their efforts to protect Europe.
Starmer’s visit to Warsaw was another step in strengthening the British-Polish partnership, which, despite the consequences of Brexit, remains important for the stability and security of the continent.
