UK to continue providing full support to Ukraine, King Charles says
King Charles also highlighted the UK’s "unshakable" commitment to NATO and determination to "maintain a strong armed forces, including the nuclear deterrent"
LONDON, July 17. /TASS/. The British government will continue to provide full support to Ukraine, King Charles III said in his speech opening a new session of parliament.
"My government will continue to give its full support to Ukraine and its people and it will endeavor to play a leading role in providing Ukraine with a clear path to NATO membership," the monarch said.
King Charles also highlighted the UK’s "unshakable" commitment to NATO and determination to "maintain a strong armed forces, including the nuclear deterrent."
"To ensure that the United Kingdom’s defense capabilities are matched to the changing nature of global strategic threats, my government will conduct a Strategic Defence Review," the king noted in his speech that is traditionally prepared by the government to set out its priorities.
This time, for the first time in 14 years, the priorities were determined by the Labor Party, whose leader Keir Starmer was appointed prime minister following the July 4 general election. That said, the king’s speech reflected the new prime minister’s desire "to reset the relationship with European partners and work to improve the United Kingdom’s trade and investment relationship with the European Union." "My ministers will seek a new security pact to strengthen cooperation on the mutual threats faced by the United Kingdom and the European Union," the king noted.
The monarch also touched upon the Middle East conflict, emphasizing the Brigiths government's commitment "to a two state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state".