Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer rejects the notion of choosing between the UK’s transatlantic and European allies, stressing the need for balanced foreign relations

In a powerful speech on foreign policy, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declared that the United Kingdom need not choose between its long-standing allies in the US and the EU. Addressing the annual Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London, Starmer sharply criticised the Conservative government for turning its back on global partnerships, positioning Labour’s approach as one that would strengthen ties with both the United States and Europe.

“There is no growth without security, and no security without alliances,” Starmer remarked, framing the UK’s foreign policy as an essential tool for both stability and prosperity in these “dangerous times.” His comments came against the backdrop of growing global tensions, notably the ongoing war in Ukraine and the unpredictable nuclear rhetoric from Russia.

Starmer stressed that the UK’s national interest demanded maintaining strong relationships with both sides of the Atlantic, refuting the idea that the UK had to choose between America and Europe. Drawing on the legacies of past prime ministers, he said, “Attlee did not choose between allies. Churchill did not choose. The national interest demands that we work with both.”

The speech aimed to reaffirm Britain’s position on the world stage, asserting that the UK’s security is intrinsically linked to the stability of its alliances. Sir Keir’s remarks come at a time when many analysts predict that the UK could face increasing pressure to take sides if US President-elect Donald Trump pushes for a trade war with Europe or reduces support for Ukraine and NATO. In light of this, Starmer’s commitment to robust relations with both the US and Europe is seen as a stabilising force for Britain.

Starmer also took the opportunity to praise the incoming US president, calling him “gracious” and underscoring the UK’s intention to deepen its bond with America. During their meeting in New York in September, Starmer told Trump that the UK would invest “more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond” in the coming years. He also reiterated his pledge to rebuild ties with Europe, stressing that these relationships are crucial for the UK’s security and prosperity.

One of the key points in Starmer’s speech was his emphasis on supporting Ukraine against Russia. He pointed out that “the future of freedom in Europe is being decided today,” and stated that a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin would have dire consequences for Britain’s security, stability, and prosperity. “We must continue to back Ukraine and do what it takes to support their self-defence for as long as it takes,” he affirmed.

The Prime Minister’s comments harked back to the attitudes of Clement Attlee’s post-war government, which understood the importance of maintaining strength abroad to succeed at home. “Maintaining our strength abroad gave us the foundation to succeed at home,” Starmer remarked, aligning himself with the vision of a strong, resilient UK, both domestically and internationally.

However, Starmer’s rhetoric may soon be tested. The UK could face difficult choices in the coming months, especially if the US imposes tariffs on European goods or pressures Europe to scale back trade with China while demanding territorial concessions from Ukraine. Starmer’s commitment to a balanced foreign policy could be put to the test as these challenges unfold.

In response, Conservative Party co-chair Nigel Huddlestone criticised Starmer’s leadership, accusing his government of weakening the UK’s position both domestically and internationally. Huddlestone argued that Starmer’s approach has led to a decline in business confidence, with record-low growth projections and a so-called “jobs tax” hurting working people. He claimed that Starmer’s policies have already “set the country back.”

Despite these criticisms, Starmer’s speech highlighted Labour’s vision for a strong and secure future, asserting that the foundation of the UK’s prosperity lies in the strength of its global alliances. The government’s commitment to balancing its relationships with both the US and EU could define its approach in the years to come, especially as it navigates the complex geopolitics of a changing world order.

THE GUARDIAN

In a major speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet, Prime Minister Keir Starmer firmly rejected the notion that the UK must choose between the United States and Europe, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s return to power. Starmer emphasized that the national interest requires Britain to maintain strong relationships with both allies, highlighting that historical leaders like Clement Attlee and Winston Churchill never had to make such a choice. He reassured that while the UK will continue to cherish its relationship with the US, it would also “reset” its ties with Europe, its largest trading partner, following years of post-Brexit neglect.

Starmer also addressed the challenges posed by a potential Trump presidency, acknowledging the unpredictability and protectionist policies that may arise but stressing that the UK must navigate these times with a pragmatic approach. His government, he said, had been preparing for such a scenario and was ready to build strong diplomatic bridges.

In a speech reflective of Britain’s role on the global stage, Starmer portrayed the UK as a “constant and responsible actor” in turbulent times, particularly as the return of Trump threatens to reshape global dynamics. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the UK remains a steadfast ally and to overcoming the divisiveness of Brexit through enhanced collaboration with European partners.

THE TELEGRAPH

In a key speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet, Prime Minister Keir Starmer firmly rejected the idea that the UK must choose between its two major allies, the United States and the European Union. Addressing concerns raised by Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency, Starmer argued that it was “plain wrong” to suggest such a binary choice. The UK, he said, must continue to foster strong ties with both the US and Europe, with the national interest demanding cooperation on both fronts.

Starmer’s remarks came in response to Trump’s possible push for the UK to prioritize its relationship with Washington, which could involve distancing itself from Brussels. However, Starmer reassured that Britain would maintain a balanced foreign policy, with a continued commitment to transatlantic relations while also repairing and strengthening its post-Brexit ties with the EU. He emphasized that the UK could be a “constant and responsible actor” on the world stage, working with both partners to safeguard national security and economic prosperity.