Starmer calls for closer EU ties as global tensions rise and divisions deepen

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that an increasingly “volatile” global situation requires Britain to build a closer relationship with the European Union.

Speaking at Downing Street, Starmer said the UK and EU would work towards “closer economic cooperation” and stronger security ties, with plans expected to be developed further at an upcoming summit.

He said the direction of global events had made the need for stronger partnerships more evident.

“It is increasingly clear that as the world continues down this volatile path, our long-term national interest requires closer partnership with our allies in Europe and with the European Union,” he said.

His comments come at a time of heightened international tensions, including divisions between Europe and the United States over the situation in Iran.

The strain between allies became more visible when Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was “angry” about the decision by US President Donald Trump to go to war in the Middle East. She said there was no clear plan for how the conflict would end.

Despite this, Starmer rejected suggestions that the UK would have to choose between its relationship with the US and its ties with Europe.

“I’m not going to choose because I think it’s in our interest to have a strong relationship with the U.S. and with Europe,” he said.

However, he emphasised that stronger cooperation with Europe would be particularly important in areas such as defence, security, energy, emissions and the economy.

He added that previous US administrations had encouraged Europe to take more responsibility in these areas.

The government has already been working on a “reset” of relations with Brussels. The discussions have focused on improving trade arrangements, including areas such as food, electricity and carbon emissions, as well as creating more opportunities for young people.

Starmer indicated that the scope of these talks could expand. He suggested that the UK may look to align more closely with EU regulations in certain areas, potentially bringing it closer to parts of the single market.

He also pointed to the economic impact of Brexit, stating that it had caused significant damage.

“Brexit did deep damage to our economy, and the opportunities to strengthen our security and cut the cost of living are simply too big to ignore,” he said.

Looking ahead, Starmer confirmed that a new UK-EU summit would be announced in the coming weeks. He said the government intended to go beyond previous commitments and pursue a more ambitious partnership.

“We want to be more ambitious, closer economic cooperation, closer security cooperation,” he said, describing the goal as a partnership based on shared values and common interests.

He added that such cooperation was necessary in what he described as a “dangerous world” that the UK and its European partners must navigate together.

The next summit will be the second of its kind under Starmer’s leadership. The first took place in London in May 2025, and the next is expected to be held in Brussels during the summer, although a date has not yet been confirmed.

Starmer said the government would remain focused on the interests of the British public as it develops its approach to international partnerships.