European Political Community Summit Brings Disruption and Pride in Oxfordshire

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, will have the honor of hosting the fourth European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, bringing together European leaders amid road closures surrounding the World Heritage Site.

Different opinions have arisen in Woodstock, with businesses like Woodstock Butchers and Woodstock Grocers reporting trade decline due to disruptions caused by the summit, which has a mixed reception among locals.

Previously visited by former US President Donald Trump and ex-Prime Minister Theresa May, Blenheim Palace is set to host the most leaders it has ever welcomed at one time, drawing both irritation at road closures and disruption but also local pride and excitement in the vicinity.

Woodstock Primary School teacher Janey Velasquez conveys pride in the school’s proximity to Blenheim Palace, viewing the event as an opportunity to share in the significance of having a local landmark featured on the global stage.

While businesses like Woodstock Butchers and Woodstock Grocers express concern over trade losses, some locals like Velasquez view the summit as an occasion to feel important and part of a larger international event happening at their doorstep.