Sir Keir Starmer’s “Brexit reset” deal with the EU could risk being undercut by France following reports that Paris could block Britain from getting in on a European defence programme.
France is said to be shutting out competitive British firms from accessing the European Defence Industry Programme (Edip) – effectively barring the UK from a multi-billion-pound market.
French diplomats have insisted the programme should only include EU, Norwegian and Ukrainian firms, while President Emmanual Macron has long pushed for EU-only defence spending.
“Not even a month ago, we solemnly declared the turning of pages and opening of new chapters in our relationship with the UK,” an EU diplomat told The Telegraph.
“Yet, at the first occasion to turn those words into action, we have slammed the book shut.”
In the past, Starmer has pushed for Britain to be treated like an EU member on defence – but a Brussels diplomat said back in March: “While Macron is playing nice with Starmer in front of the cameras, he’s actively working to shut the UK out of the EU’s defence spending plans.”
Back then, a Government spokesman said: “We live in challenging times – global geopolitical instability and war in Europe means enhancing our defence capability is important.
“This includes closer cooperation with the EU, with Nato remaining the cornerstone of our security.”
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David Lammy’s US trip CANCELLED after Middle East chaos
David Lammy has cancelled a planned trip to the US on Friday for talks with his counterpart Marco Rubio over Russia following tonight’s chaos in the Middle East.
Britain will NOT protect Israel from Iranian drone barrage – reports
Britain will not be moving to protect Israel from a barrage of Iranian drones following last night’s strikes, The Times reports.
UK defence sources have told the newspaper there are no plans to help defend the Jewish state as Iran hits back following last night’s strikes.
But at the same time, staunch British ally Jordan has been intercepting Tehran’s missiles and drones which entered its own airspace on Friday morning.
This is a developing story – and we’ll bring you all the key UK developments on this live blog as we get them…
Liz Truss thanks Israel for devastating overnight attacks on Iran
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has thanked Israel for its devastating series of overnight strikes against Iran.
The strikes, which have taken out IRGC chief Hossein Salami and neutralised a string of Iranian nuclear targets, have seen Keir Starmer call for calm and the US distance itself from its close ally Israel.
But Truss, responding to a late-night address by Benjamin Netanyahu, issued a three-word message of support to the Jewish state: “Thank you Israel.”
Richard Tice turns up heat on Conservative-Reform ‘Doge’ war – ‘Cover-up scandal!’
Richard Tice has turned up the heat on an escalating feud between Reform UK and the Conservatives over the former’s “Doge” efficiency unit.
Yesterday, the Tories wrote to the information watchdog demanding an investigation into the Reform waste-cutting drive – sparking accusations that they were covering up the “corruption and waste of their now-deposed local government regimes”.
Now, Tice has rammed home the “cover-up” accusations.
He said: “Tory cover-up scandal… We won huge landslides to Doge these former Tory councils, to identify massive wasteful spending and incompetence.
“Looks like Tories trying to hide up the evidence and bury any transparency. Not a great look.”
Keir Starmer and David Lammy issue statements as chaos breaks out in the Middle East
Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have both spoken out following the overnight chaos
PA
The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have both issued statements following a night of chaos in the Middle East.
David Lammy said he was “concerned” to learn of Israeli strikes, writing this morning: “Stability in the Middle East is vital for global security.
“I’m concerned to see reports of strikes overnight. Further escalation is a serious threat to peace and stability in the region and in no one’s interest.
“This is a dangerous moment and I urge all parties to show restraint.”
While Sir Keir Starmer said: “The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region.
“Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy.”