Keir Starmer calls for closer UK and European security ties

Keir Starmer told a crowd in Dublin on Friday that the UK and European nations must draw closer together because the US is becoming a less reliable partner. The former prime minister spoke at a British Irish Chamber of Commerce dinner in Dublin City Hall after meeting with senior business leaders and the taoiseach, Micheal Martin. He argued that Europe has twice been caught asleep, failing to anticipate and prepare for predictable events. The first instance occurred when Russia’s attack on Ukraine exposed longstanding European weaknesses in defence and security. The second instance happened when President Donald Trump made it clear that the US will no longer bankroll European security.

Starmer said this shift in relations with Washington is not an aberration of the Trump presidency but a permanent change of affairs. He told the audience that things will not go back to the way they were before. He noted that while the military, security and intelligence alliance with the US is far too strong to be considered unimportant, Europe must take on far more responsibility for its own defence and security. He called for the building of a common security framework as much as a common market, with Britain at the centre of that project.

The former prime minister highlighted several reasons why Britain should lead this security effort:

• Britain is one of two nuclear powers.
• Britain is a leading Nato member.
• Britain has a viable next-generation fighter jet programme.
• Britain is pledged to work with European allies to guarantee security in Ukraine.

Security requirements and political shifts

Starmer said the EU cannot act alone because Europe’s periphery is core to its defence. He stated that the UK must be at the heart of a stronger Europe. This position mirrors comments made by the current prime minister, Andy Burnham, who said he intends to be bolder about closer ties with the EU. Burnham also wants a public debate on how the UK could move to a closer relationship with the EU after the next election. Next month, Burnham will attend an EU-UK summit focusing on energy, food standards, and youth mobility.

The former prime minister previously described Europe as a partnership for a dangerous world. He also noted that Brexit caused deep damage to the UK economy and expressed a desire to pursue closer economic and security cooperation. During his time as prime minister, Starmer had a positive relationship with Donald Trump in the opening months of their working relationship. However, Trump later mocked him as being "no Winston Churchill" following a disagreement regarding the use of UK bases for US-Israel strikes on Iran. Starmer told the Dublin audience that he and Trump will stay in touch.

Defense coordination and regional stability

The defence secretary, Wes Streeting, spoke at a meeting of European defence ministers in Paris this week, stating that they are united and unwavering in support for Ukraine. Starmer reiterated that the UK and Ireland stand side by side in the coalition of the willing and with Ukraine to shape the security of the continent. He believes Britain’s relationship with allies should be strengthened by this common security project.

The political consensus regarding European ties has shifted following the change in UK leadership.

Starmer argued that the UK must catch up to current realities. He emphasized that the UK should work alongside European allies to guarantee security in Ukraine. He remains focused on the need for pan-European coordination on defence and security to respond to the permanent changes in the international order.