In a bold move, Keir Starmer has ignited a controversial debate by suggesting the UK should reconsider its stance on an EU defence pact. With Europe facing uncertain times, Starmer argues that a stronger, more collaborative defence strategy is essential.
The prime minister has signaled a willingness to work closely with European allies, and the EU's €150 billion (or £130 billion) security action fund, known as Safe, presents an attractive option. However, previous talks collapsed in 2025 due to disagreements over the entry price, with France taking the blame.
But here's where it gets interesting: there's now a renewed appetite for a deal, especially in light of Donald Trump's controversial threats to take over Greenland and his criticism of NATO. Starmer believes Europe, including the UK, must step up its security and defence efforts, echoing the sentiments of other world leaders.
"We've got to do more," Starmer asserts. "It's not just President Trump who thinks so; other presidents agree. That's why we've committed to increased spending, but I believe we need to go further."
The Guardian recently revealed that the UK and EU are exploring the possibility of renewed talks on defence cooperation. Maroš Šefčovič, the EU's trade commissioner, is set to visit London next week, with trade, energy, and fisheries on the agenda. While defence isn't officially on the table for that meeting, there may be opportunities to discuss it at a political summit in Washington, convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Starmer aims to build on recent defence deals with European allies, and more bilateral agreements are on the horizon. For instance, Norway has agreed to a £10 billion deal for anti-submarine warships to be built in the UK, and Britain has sold 20 Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey for £8 billion.
"I believe we need to do more together in terms of spending, capability, and cooperation," Starmer explains. "I've made this argument, and it should lead us to explore schemes like Safe and others to see if we can work more closely."
The Safe fund, raised by the European Commission on credit markets, lends money to member states over 45 years, allowing them to purchase everything from ammunition to drones and missiles. The fund's aim is to rapidly enhance the EU's defence capabilities, a matter of urgency given Trump's lack of support and his frequent threats over NATO.
While the UK isn't eligible for a Safe loan, joining the program under third-country rules could benefit British defence companies by allowing them to tender for more EU procurement contracts, thus boosting the UK defence industry.
The EU had initially demanded a €2 billion contribution from the UK, but the British government felt a contribution in the hundreds of millions was more appropriate.
Starmer faces internal party pressure for closer ties with the EU, but he has rejected the idea of rejoining the customs union, as it would require the UK to renegotiate trade deals with other countries. The prime minister, however, is known to favor further alignment with the single market.
EU relations have become a key point of division between Labour and Nigel Farage's Reform UK. While the government has ruled out the UK's return to the single market or customs union and the reintroduction of free movement, Starmer has criticized Farage's Brexit promises during his trip to China.
"I wouldn't take Nigel Farage's word on this too seriously," Starmer said. "The botched deal from the last government has clearly damaged our economy, which is why we need to reset our relationship and get closer on defence, security, energy, emissions, and trade. At this year's summit, we'll not only follow up on the 10 strands from last year, but we'll also aim for an iterative process to strengthen our ties."
So, what do you think? Should the UK reconsider its stance on the EU defence pact? Is closer collaboration the way forward, or are there potential pitfalls to consider? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
