Keir Starmer believes the UK and its European neighbors need to strengthen their connections as the US becomes a less dependable ally. This statement marks his first major political commentary since stepping down from No 10.
The former prime minister cautioned European leaders about the threats from Russia and others, noting that the changes in relations with Washington during Donald Trump’s presidency are unlikely to revert once he exits the White House. He pointed out that they have already been caught off guard by these new realities on two occasions.
“A stronger Europe is vital and the UK must be at the heart of it,” Starmer told an audience at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce on Friday. “Europe has twice been caught asleep, failing to anticipate and prepare for predictable events.
“First, when Russia’s attack on Ukraine exposed longstanding European weaknesses on defence and security, and second, when President Trump made clear, once and for all, that the US will no longer bankroll our European security. We have to catch up.”
Starmer had previously called for closer European ties before resigning as prime minister in July. Three months earlier, amidst Trump’s conflicts with Iran and threats to withdraw from Nato, Starmer stated that Europe represented a “partnership for a dangerous world we must navigate together.”
He emphasized that these connections should extend beyond just defense. He mentioned that Brexit had inflicted “deep damage” on the UK economy and expressed his desire for a “more ambitious” approach, which includes pursuing “closer economic cooperation [and] closer security cooperation.”
Keir Starmer alongside the US president, Donald Trump, at the Nato leaders’ summit in Ankara, Turkey in July. Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters
Starmer spoke after spending time in Dublin meeting senior business leaders and politicians, including taoiseach Micheál Martin, with whom he established the annual UK-Ireland summit.
“I will say here what I have said to European leaders. This is about responding to a permanent change of affairs, not an aberration of the Trump presidency. Things will not go back to the way they were before.
“That doesn’t mean the US relationship is no longer important. On the contrary, the military, security and intelligence alliance is far too strong for that. But it does mean enabling Europe to take on far more responsibility for its own defence and security.”
His remarks reflect a growing consensus among left-wing politicians in the UK regarding closer relationships with Europe being essential for ensuring economic and military stability. After taking office as Starmer’s successor, Andy Burnham declared his intention to be “bolder” about enhancing ties with the EU.
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Next month, Burnham will attend an important EU-UK summit where discussions on food standards, energy policies, and youth mobility will take center stage.
Burnham has also expressed a desire for public discussions about how the UK could deepen its relationship with the EU following the next election. At this week’s gathering of European defence ministers in Paris, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting noted their collective support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression.
Starmer stated: “We need to build up pan-European cooperation and coordination on defence and security – a common security framework as much as a common market. The EU is changing to respond to that but it cannot be solely left up to them when Europe’s periphery is core to its defence.
“Britain must be central to that project. We are one of two nuclear powers. We are a leading Nato member. We have a viable next-generation fighter jet programme. And we are pledged to work alongside European allies to guarantee security in Ukraine.
“Ireland and Britain stand side by side in this coalition of willing partners supporting Ukraine while collaborating closely together towards securing our continent’s future safety. I hope we can strengthen Britain’s relationships with friends and allies through this urgent shared security initiative.”
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