As US relationship changes, Starmer says UK must draw closer to Europe
A call for stronger European ties
Starmer spoke on Friday to an audience at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, after meeting business leaders and politicians in Dublin. His visit included talks with taoiseach Micheál Martin, with whom he established the annual UK-Ireland summit.
He said European countries had failed to prepare for foreseeable events on two occasions. Starmer argued that the UK should play a central role in building a stronger Europe.
Defence alongside the US alliance
Starmer said closer European cooperation would not make the US relationship unimportant. He described the military, security and intelligence alliance as too strong to set aside, while calling for Europe to carry more responsibility for its own defence.
He urged countries across the continent to coordinate on security as well as economic matters. Starmer said the EU could not manage this effort alone because countries beyond its borders were central to Europe’s defence.
UK, Ireland and Ukraine
Starmer said Ireland and the UK were working alongside Ukraine in the coalition of the willing. He said joint efforts should help guarantee and shape the continent’s security.
The article says Burnham is due to attend a UK-EU summit next month, where food standards, energy and youth mobility are expected to be the main subjects. Starmer had previously advocated closer European ties, including during the period of Trump’s war with Iran and threats to leave Nato.
Key points
- Starmer wants the UK and European countries to cooperate more closely on defence and security.
- He said Europe should take greater responsibility while retaining its alliance with the US.
- Starmer described UK-Ireland cooperation with Ukraine as part of a wider security effort.
- The upcoming UK-EU summit is set to focus on food standards, energy and youth mobility.