Oxfordshire to host European leaders at biggest UK-led summit of the year

• Around 45 European leaders will meet at historic Blenheim Palace for European Political Community meeting on Thursday
• Sustainability is at the heart of summit planning, showcasing the very best of Oxfordshire produce
• Palace will also play host to dinner between the Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron

The Prime Minister will welcome leaders from across the continent to Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill and UNESCO World Heritage Site, for the European Political Community (EPC) meeting. It will be the largest European diplomatic gathering the UK has hosted in decades.

Sustainability is at the heart of summit planning, with 80% of the fruits and vegetables being served to delegates coming from Blenheim’s gardens. Showcasing the best of Oxfordshire at Blenheim, attendees of the summit will enjoy Oxfordshire strawberries and cream, alongside more than 800 scones being served during afternoon tea. Over 6,000 reusable cups will be used by media alone.

Blenheim Palace, which was used by MI5 from 1940 to 1945 after their headquarters was damaged in the Blitz during the Second World War, has been transformed to accommodate more than 450 delegates and over 1,000 journalists. Hundreds of volunteers from across Government and officers from 40 police forces across the country have converged on the county and will support the delivery of the UK’s biggest international event of the year.

The meeting will provide a boost to local businesses including hotels, producers, shops and transport. The UK government is working closely with partners in Oxfordshire including the local authority, Police, Blenheim Palace to ensure the day runs smoothly and that residents are kept informed.

The UK government will use the Oxfordshire summit to discuss closer collaboration to tackle illegal immigration and greater security cooperation with European counterparts to keep Britain safe.

Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said: “Blenheim Palace is a huge part of our history – the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the temporary headquarters for MI5 during the Second World War – and I am honoured to host the European Political Community meeting here.”

“From produce to architecture, this is a great opportunity to showcase the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside on the world stage.”

B4’s CEO, Richard Rosser commented. “What a huge day for Oxfordshire. Congratulations to our B4 Platinum Members, Blenheim Palace and to Dominic Hare and his amazing team for hosting such an important event. With the eyes of the world on Oxfordshire today and the sun shining, Blenheim really is centre stage and we wish everyone the very best for a successful and productive day today.”

The EPC meeting comes at a vital time for Ukraine, as Russian aggression intensifies over the summer. The Prime Minister has been clear that the UK’s support for Ukraine is ironclad, and he will use the meeting as a platform to push for continued international military and financial support for Ukraine, ahead of what is expected to be a difficult winter.

This is the fourth EPC meeting since the grouping was founded in October 2022. Previous meetings, hosted in the Czech Republic, Moldova, and Spain, have been instrumental in uniting Europe to support Ukraine, forging cooperation on energy security and tackling the shared challenge of illegal migration.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
• The B4437 at its junction with the A44 to its junction with Stonesfield Riding will close from 2pm on Wednesday, 17th July, and reopen at 4am on Friday, July 19.
• Stonesfield Straight from its junction with the B4437 to its junction with Akeman St will close at 2pm and reopen at 4am on the same days.
• Langford Lane between the A44 Woodstock Road and Evenlode Crescent will close at 8pm on Wednesday and reopen at 11.59pm on Thursday, July 18.