But confirmation came today after Sunak ruled out sending the nation to the polls early in May, with the prospect of a fall election growing steadily more likely.
Downing Street hailed the role of the summit in uniting support for Ukraine and in addressing illegal migration, which had proved divisive at previous EPC summits.
“I am delighted that the UK will host the next European Political Community meeting at the historic Blenheim Palace,” Sunak said. “It is an important forum for cooperation across the whole of Europe on the issues that are affecting us all, threatening our security and prosperity.
“From putting our full support behind Ukraine to stopping the scourge of people smuggling and illegal migration, under the U.K.’s leadership the meeting will bring together our European friends, partners, and neighbours to address our shared challenges.”
Delay baffled diplomats
No. 10 will be hoping its tardiness doesn’t result in a poor turnout. Some 44 European leaders attended the inaugural EPC summit in Prague in October 2022, while 45 partook in the Moldova forum in June 2023 and 45 again visited the October 2023 summit in Spain.
Downing Street said “around 50” leaders would attend the U.K. event.
