On July 4, British citizens voted in their country’s general election which saw the Labour Party win a majority in Parliament for the first time since 2010, ending 14 years of Conservative Party rule. The results saw the Conservatives lose over 250 seats from the last election in 2019 amid ongoing debates about the overall direction of the country with Labour adding 211 seats. Major policy decisions for the incoming Labour Government will include inflation and a rising cost of living, the National Health Service (NHS), immigration and refugee policy, as well as the country’s approach to combating climate change. 

Newly elected Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has promised to govern for all Britons and has promised sound economic management. The Labour leaders are advocating for significant reforms in public services, a renewed focus on social justice and a commitment to green energy. Former Prime Minister Sunak, who had  been in office since 2022 hoped his policies around economic stability and national security would provide a base of support while pitching a new compulsory National Service program for young citizens. The third traditional party, the Lib-Dems, gained over 60 seats since the 2019 election illustrating the frustration at both major parties in the country. 

The election results are impactful not only for the United Kingdom but also for its relationships with key allies, including the United States and the European Union. With significant trade, defense, and diplomatic partnerships at stake, Keir Starmer’s government will have pressure to deliver results where the Conservative predecessors have struggled. 

Our distinguished speakers will discuss the results and the implications this election will have for the U.K., United States and the rest of the world. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session.

To register for the United Kingdom webinar, visit Zoom Registration Page.

As a primer for the webinar, our President and CEO, Duncan Wood, PhD, wrote about the election, which you can read here.

Guest Speaker

Ambassador (ret.) Philip T. Reeker is the Chair of the Wilson Center's Global Europe Program and Partner and Lead of the Europe & Eurasia practice at Albright Stonebridge Group.

Before joining the Wilson Center, Ambassador Reeker served as Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in the United Kingdom (2021-22), and was Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia (2019-21). Before retiring from the Foreign Service he was the Secretary of State’s Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations. Earlier in Ambassador Reeker’s extensive diplomatic career, he was the U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia, Civilian Deputy and Policy Advisor to the Commander of U.S. European Command based in Germany, U.S. Consul General in Milan (responsible for northern Italy), and Deputy Chief of Mission in Budapest, Hungary.

In Washington, he also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Europe, the Balkans, and Holocaust Issues; as Director of Press Relations; and as Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department.  Ambassador Reeker received numerous awards during his distinguished career, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award) and the American Citizens Abroad Thomas Jefferson Award. He was also named a Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.  

Ambassador Reeker earned his B.A. from Yale University and a Master of International Management/MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. He is proficient in Italian, Hungarian, Macedonian, and German.  He is based in Washington, D.C. 

Guest Speaker

Dr. Garret J. Martin is a Senior Professorial Lecturer, and the Co-Director of the Transatlantic Policy Center, in the School of International Service. He has written widely on transatlantic relations and Europe, both in the field of history and contemporary affairs, and focuses in particular on security, US foreign policy, NATO, European politics, European foreign policy and defense, Europe, the European Union, France and the UK. He is a frequent media commentator, providing analysis and interviews, among others, to NPR, the BBC, CNN, Voice of America, USA Today, WUSA, ABC News Australia and France 24.

Moderator

Anand Menon is Professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at King's College London. He also directs the UK in a Changing Europe project (www.ukandeu.ac.uk). His areas of research interest include the policies and institutions of the European Union, European security, and British politics. He contributes regularly to both print and broadcast media. He is co-editor of the Oxford Handbook of the European Union (OUP, 2012), and co-author of Brexit and British Politics (Polity 2018). He is a trustee of Full Fact, a member of the Strategic Council of the European Policy Centre, a Council member of the European Council on Foreign Relations and an associate fellow of Chatham House.

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The Pacific Council's 2024 Global Election Series

This summer the Pacific Council will host a series of webinars looking at the results from three major elections, Mexico, India, and the United Kingdom. The conversations will examine what the results mean for each country, their allies and provide time for Pacific Council members to engage in Q&A with expert speakers. 

Each election has the potential to shift the respective bilateral relationships with the U.S. In Mexico, a range of critical issues will need to be addressed with U.S. partners including: trade, migration and illegal trafficking. 

The election in India will be watched closely due to India’s importance as an ally for countering China’s regional influence and prominent role in global trade. Additionally, at a time when democratic institutions and elections are under threat from foreign interference and disinformation, all while populist rhetoric continues to escalate, a successful election in the world’s largest democracy can be a positive moment for the democratic community. 

Finally, in the United Kingdom, where the post-Brexit landscape continues to take shape, the election will be crucial for ensuring the continuation of the unique bilateral relationship between the U.K. and U.S. on issues related to transatlantic trade, global financial markets, NATO in the face of Russian aggression, and intelligence cooperation. 

To register for the UK webinar, visit Zoom Registration Page.