BRITAIN's new Euro-friendly policy will get a further boost today when the Foreign Secretary, Mr Robin Cook, holds "fresh start" talks with his French and German counterparts.
Continuing the cracking pace started on Monday when Britain confirmed its readiness to sign the Social Chapter, Mr Cook will travel to Paris and on to Bonn for talks about EU and NATO issues. He will be accompanied by his Minister for Europe, Mr Doug Henderson, and they will meet opposition politicians in both countries.
Mr Cook will kick off his first appearance on the international stage with a visit to the French Socialist Party headquarters for a meeting with the opposition leader, Mr Lionel Jospin.
After lunch with the French Foreign Minister, Mr Herve de Charette, Mr Cook will travel to Bonn to meet the German Foreign Minister, Mr Klaus Kinkel, and the leader of the Social Democrats, Mr Oskar Lafontaine.
A Foreign Office statement said: "Mr Cook's visit reflects the government's determination to make a fresh start on a new and constructive relationship with Europe."
Meanwhile, it was confirmed last night that Mr Cook is planning an unprecedented shake-up in Britain's diplomatic service, to be announced next week.
It is understood the Foreign Secretary will announce a "mission statement" defining the aims and priorities of British foreign policy under the new Labour government.