UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has signaled a desire for closer defence cooperation with Europe. This includes potential British involvement in the EU’s €150 billion (£130 billion) Security Action for Europe rearmament fund. The comments come ahead of a crucial EU-UK Partnership Council meeting scheduled for the coming week.
Starmer made the remarks during his trip to China. He advocated for increased European security collaboration in response to calls from President Donald Trump and other leaders for Europe to boost defence capabilities. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds will discuss forging closer ties with the bloc at the upcoming council meeting.
“Europe, including the UK, needs to do more on security and defence,” Starmer told reporters. “That’s an argument I’ve been making for many months now with European leaders.”
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for collective action. “We’ve got to step up and do more. It’s not only (US) President (Donald) Trump who thinks Europe needs to do more but other presidents as well. I think the same,” he said.
Defence Fund Consideration
Starmer specifically addressed the Safe fund, suggesting Britain should examine potential participation despite previous talks reportedly breaking down at the end of last year. Reports suggested France insisted on a high entry price, though French officials denied this.