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In diplomacy, focus is often on where we disagree. But Britain and our partners are stronger when we stand together. Last week’s G7 meeting made that clear.
We arrived in Canada with real momentum. Our Ukrainian and American friends deserve a lot of credit for the breakthrough at Jeddah – with British diplomacy, from the prime minister down, making a big difference behind the scenes.
With presidential envoy Steve Witkoff touching down in Moscow as we met in Quebec, it was crucial that Ukraine’s allies showed unity.
Some may have doubted we could find common ground. But after 36 hours of talks, we agreed a clear set of messages – for Moscow, but also for Tehran and Pyongyang.
We united in wanting a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, with Ukraine remaining democratic, free, strong and prosperous. We want to see the fighting stop, and for that to endure.
We united in supporting a 30-day ceasefire on air, land and sea without conditions. We want to use this as a window to agree terms ensuring a just and lasting peace.
And we united on what is required to make this happen. As President Trump has said, Putin can choose the easy way or the hard way. We all recognise the risk that Russia tries to string this process out with unreasonable conditions, while continuing to pummel Ukraine. But however Putin chooses to play this, we are focused on action in three areas.
First, keeping up the pressure on Russia. For Moscow to negotiate seriously, there can be no let-up in our efforts. We are working hard on new measures to target their energy and defence sectors and utilise frozen Russian assets.
Second, keeping up our support to Ukraine. The US lifting their pause on military and intelligence support was extremely welcome. But the US is right that Europeans need to bear their share of the burden. We are stepping up, putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position now and in any peace that follows.
Third, we have to create the conditions that guarantee Russia does not come back for more. Together with France, we are establishing a coalition of the willing able to deter Putin from invading again. To be credible, it will need US support. But Britain and our allies recognise that the bulk of the contribution must come from Europeans. While I was in Canada at the G7, the defence secretary was in Paris meeting his counterparts, and the national security adviser was in Washington. On Saturday, the prime minister held a further leaders’ meeting, and this week the chiefs of defence staff will convene another military planning meeting. At this critical moment for European security, we are stepping up and leading this effort on multiple fronts, as part of our Plan for Change with national security at its foundation.
The unity of the past week has put the ball firmly in Russia’s court. Putin’s aggressive actions over many years have shown his character. The proposal for ceasefire is therefore a test. He can’t simply say he is ready to end this war – he has to prove it.
The G7’s unity extended beyond Ukraine. We will keep supporting the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, that sees all hostages freed, unhindered aid into Gaza and a political pathway to a lasting solution. We will back an inclusive political transition in Syria, up the pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme, and keep the spotlight on the terrible conflicts in Sudan and DRC.
And we agreed a new Canadian-led initiative on maritime security – an example of strong leadership from one of our closest allies. With growing threats to freedom of navigation from the Red Sea to the South China Sea, growth in all our economies relies on a strong collective response.
This year marks 50 years since a small group of western leaders first met just outside Paris – the origins of the G7. Those leaders did not agree on everything. Three were from the political left, three from the right. It was a time of upheaval – war, recession, changes in the multilateral system. Many in the democratic world were pessimistic about our ability to navigate a challenging global order.
But that generation of politicians rose to the challenge. The G7 format represented a willingness to try something different. The leaders were able to be honest with each other. And this allowed them to find common ground.
Today, we must rise to a new set of challenges. This requires that same spirit of honesty and common purpose. We and our allies are showing that spirit right now.
