Rishi Sunak is preparing to announce the first summit of European leaders on British soil since Brexit after a diplomatic spat with France.
In a clear sign that Sunak has ruled out a May election, the prime minister will host a meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) expected in July. It is to be held in the northwest of the country, near Manchester.
The date of the summit, which brings together the leaders of the EU’s 27 member states alongside neighbouring countries such as Turkey, Norway and Switzerland, was meant to be determined months ago but had been continually put off by Downing Street.
European diplomatic sources said Sunak told some European leaders that he didn’t intend to hold the event at all at
