Starmer hosts key European leaders at summit as Ukraine’s Zelensky declares ‘Putin has not divided us’ - live

Sir Keir Starmer has hosted continental leaders as part of the fourth European Political Community summit.

The prime minister has used the 47-member EPC meeting at Blenheim Palace , the birthplace of Winston Churchill, to push for action to secure the continent’s borders, and reiterate the UK’s support to Ukraine.

Senior European leaders and representatives welcomed Sir Keir’s approach with the high representative of the EU policy Josep Borrell praising the “new tone of the British Government ” on improving post- Brexit relations.

Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the UK’s “resolve” in supporting Ukraine as he arrived in the UK for the major gathering.

Despite the positive noises being made by EU leaders, David Lammy has warned the UK is unlikely to be able to begin renegotiating a deal with the bloc for some time.

Speaking this morning, he said the European Union and the European Commission will not be up and running until December following their elections.