Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre arrived in London on Monday as part of a European tour that will also take him to the United Kingdom and Germany. This marks his first overseas trip as Opposition leader, during which he aims to engage with like-minded politicians and present a political and economic agenda that can compete with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
At a reception held at London’s exclusive Carlton Club, a historical venue for British Tories since 1832, Poilievre emphasized the importance of cooperation among Commonwealth partners such as Canada, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand. He highlighted the need for collaboration on critical minerals, defense procurement, and mutual recognition of professional qualifications across jurisdictions.
Addressing the issue of recognizing foreign medical credentials, which has been a longstanding challenge for skilled immigrants in Canada, Poilievre suggested the concept of a “critical minerals and energy compact” and a reserve that could be shared with allied nations during crises, contingent on tariff-free trade agreements.
Poilievre had previously introduced these ideas in a speech to a business audience in Toronto. His remarks in London are viewed as a prelude to a forthcoming speech at the Centre for Policy Studies, where he will deliver the Margaret Thatcher lecture before proceeding to Berlin for further engagements.
This European visit follows a period of upheaval for Poilievre and his party, with three Conservative MPs defecting to the governing Liberals. The latest defection, by Edmonton MP Matt Jeneroux, occurred after he cited personal reasons for leaving politics.
Recent polls consistently show the Conservatives trailing the Liberals in public support, with Prime Minister Carney enjoying a more favorable perception among voters than Poilievre. Carney gained global attention for his critical address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he warned of a potential rupture in the international order, particularly aimed at the U.S. and President Donald Trump’s administration.
In response to Carney’s speech, Poilievre criticized the idea of severing ties with the U.S. in favor of aligning with Beijing for a new world order, a stance he had previously outlined in Toronto by opposing Conservative government ministers’ participation in WEF meetings.