What to expect from Labour's foreign policy if they win the UK election

An overview of Labour's foreign policy plans, focusing on EU relations, NATO, Ukraine war, and the Middle East.

Britain's Labour Party is expected to win Thursday's national election, returning to power after 14 years in opposition and making Keir Starmer the country's new prime minister.

Below are the foreign policy plans the party set out in its manifesto ahead of the vote:

European Union

Labour has promised Britain will stay outside of the EU, with no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement of people.

But eight years after Britain voted to leave, it wants to reset the relationship with the bloc and seeks to deepen ties including by removing what it calls unnecessary barriers to trade.

It has said it wants to negotiate a veterinary agreement to prevent unnecessary border checks and secure a mutual recognition agreement for professional qualifications.

Labour plans to seek a new UK-EU security pact to strengthen co-operation and rebuild relationships with key European allies, including France and Germany. It will also seek new bilateral agreements.

ECHR

Labour said Britain would remain a member of the European Convention on Human Rights.

NATO

Labour has said its commitment to NATO as the cornerstone of European and global security is "unshakeable".

It plans to work with allies to build, strengthen and reform NATO and other multilateral institutions including the UN, G7, G20 to address new global challenges.

Russia/Ukraine

Labour has pledged to maintain Britain's military, financial, diplomatic and political support for Ukraine.

It said it would support efforts to hold Russia to account for the war, backing calls for a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression as well as working with allies to enable the seizure and repurposing of frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine.

Labour also said it wants to help provide Ukraine with a clear path to NATO membership.

Middle East

Labour has said long-term peace and security in the Middle East would be an immediate focus.

It said a Labour government would continue to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, the upholding of international law, and a rapid increase of aid into the territory.

The party has committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to a renewed peace process which results in a two-state solution. It has described Palestinian statehood as "the inalienable right of the Palestinian people" and said it was essential to the long-term security of Israel.