UK seeks new Anglo-German alliance

The UK’s new Europe minister Geoff Hoon has pleaded for a “British-German partnership in Europe”.

In his first speech in his new ministerial position, Hoon talked about Britain and Germany’s shared views on energy, the WTO trade talks and foreign policy.

He also praised German Chancellor Angela Merkel, saying that “whilst we may not always agree on all of the solutions, we need her kind of vision and leadership in Europe”.

German newspaper Handelsblatt accused the UK of taking advantage of a weak French government to push for a closer relationship with Germany.

But it believes that Berlin is sceptical about a closer alliance with the UK, especially as the Blair government is itself in turmoil following a recent cabinet reshuffle.

Hoon went on to state that liberalisation and co-operation on terrorism, trafficking and organised crime are the fundamentals of a modern Europe.

Echoing Merkel’s recent statement that key European priorities must involve internal and external security, Hoon said: “I fully agree with her that we must be ready to meet our obligations by delivering troops on the ground.”

Briefly touching on energy concerns, Hoon claimed he shared Merkel’s opinion that the single market can only work when electricity flows freely “and when we accept European champions and not just think nationally”.

Meanwhile, Handelsblatt points out that both governments differ immensely on the issue of EU enlargement.

While German chancellor Angela Merkel has made it clear that the EU should not expand itself to death, Hoon said the deciding question was not “whether the EU should continue enlarge, but how we do it in a way that works for everyone”.

Ahead of the speech, Hoon told reporters: “The UK and Germany have a common agenda in seeking to bring the EU closer to its citizens by delivering where it matters: on prosperity and security.”

“With the World Cup [in Germany] only four weeks away, it is also a good time to be celebrating our bilateral relationship.”

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