In his first major speech since stepping down as prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer urged a European common security framework with Britain at its centre. His warning comes as Washington reviews its military presence on the continent.
Sir Keir Starmer has warned that the change in Europe’s defence relationship with the United States is permanent, “not an aberration of the Trump presidency”, and called on Europe to build a common security framework with the UK at its centre. [1]
In his first major intervention since leaving Downing Street, the former prime minister said “things will not go back to the way they were” as America makes clear it will no longer “bankroll” allies on the continent. [1]
Speaking at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce (Bicc) dinner at Dublin City Hall on Friday evening, he argued that Europe needed a “common security framework as much as a common market”. The chamber awarded him honorary life membership to recognise his contribution to strengthening relations between the UK and Ireland during his premiership. [1]
“A stronger Europe is vital and the UK must be at the heart of it,” he said. “Europe has twice been caught asleep – failing to anticipate and prepare for predictable events.
“First when Russia’s attack on Ukraine exposed long-standing 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.”
He added: “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.”
Sir Keir said increased defence spending was part of the picture, but that the challenge “goes far beyond that”.
“We need to build up pan-European co-operation and co-ordination on defence and security – a common security framework as much as a common market,” he said. “The EU is changing to respond to that, but it cannot be the EU alone when Europe’s periphery is core to its defence.”
He said he believed Britain’s relationship with its friends and allies “can and should be strengthened by this urgent and common security project”.
Background
Nato allies agreed at The Hague in June 2025 to spend 5% of national income a year on defence and related security by 2035, including at least 3.5% on core defence. The previous benchmark, set in 2014, was 2%. [7] In June this year, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of American basing and force posture in Europe, saying Europe should take primary responsibility for its conventional defence. [8]
The UK and EU concluded a security and defence partnership in May 2025. [9] Talks on British participation in the EU’s €150bn SAFE defence loan scheme stalled in November 2025 after the UK rejected the proposed fee, and no deal had been reported by March this year. [10]
Relations between Sir Keir and Mr Trump deteriorated in 2026. The president criticised the UK after Sir Keir initially declined to let US forces use British bases for the opening strikes on Iran in late February, before allowing limited use for what he described as a defensive purpose. The UK did not join offensive action. [3][4] Sir Keir had earlier opposed Mr Trump’s threat of tariffs on European countries over Greenland, a dispute in which the president ruled out force and tariffs on 21 January. [4][5]
Sir Keir announced his resignation on 22 June after calls from Labour MPs for him to go. [2] The Observer has reported, citing unnamed sources, that he is interested in becoming Nato secretary general when the post falls vacant in 2028. There has been no official confirmation. [6]