Fresh from Brexit discussions in Berlin and Paris this week, Johnson will use a string of bilateral meetings with world leaders in the French resort to underline Britain’s determination to remain internationalist.
“My message to G7 leaders this week is this. The Britain I lead will be an international, outward-looking, self-confident nation,” he said in remarks released by Downing Street in advance of the meeting. “We will be an energetic partner on the world stage. We will stand alongside our G7 allies to solve the most pressing international issues.”
Johnson’s most closely watched encounter will be a Sunday breakfast with Donald Trump, at which the pair are expected to discuss issues including Iran, Hong Kong and the prospects for a bilateral trade deal after Brexit. Johnson will reiterate the UK’s determination to protect the NHS against incursions from US companies. He will also underline his commitment to maintaining the UK’s stringent animal welfare standards.
The US president has repeatedly praised Johnson, calling him “Britain Trump”, and stressing their “very good relationship”.
Downing Street is keen to capitalise on the rapport between the pair, as the UK prepares to leave the vast trading bloc of the EU. Johnson is wary thoughof being seen as Trump’s poodle, the derisive term often used to describe Tony Blair’s relationship with George W Bush during the Iraq war.
The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, accused Johnson on Friday of pursuing a “Trump first” foreign policy.
“The UK should use its position in the G7, on the UN security council and the international financial institutions to promote policies to tackle the climate emergency and that are proven to reduce inequality and improve lives around the world, including universal healthcare, education and social security,” Corbyn said.