Starmer: UK must get closer to EU to build ‘European’ NATO 

MUNICH, Germany — The U.K. must work more closely with the EU to create a more “European” NATO, Keir Starmer is set to tell allies Saturday at the Munich Security Conference.

The British prime minister is expected to say that the U.K. needs to strengthen defense and security ties with Europe in order to reduce reliance on the U.S., telling leaders gathered in Germany: “We are not the Britain of the Brexit years anymore.”

“There is no British security without Europe, and no European security without Britain. That is the lesson of history – and it is today’s reality too,” Starmer will say in his speech.

His address comes after Pentagon deputy Elbridge Colby told the conference he wanted a new version of the alliance where members pay more and take greater responsibility for defending Europe — echoing a consistent message from the Trump administration, which has prided itself on prodding other NATO members to increase defense spending.

While Britain still sees the U.S. as an indispensable ally, according to Starmer, Europe must shift from “overdependence to interdependence.”

Starmer will also signal his willingness to work with European leaders on joint defense procurement in order to reduce gaps and duplication.

Greater integration

His speech comes in the same week as U.K. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said Britain needed to team up with European countries on defense spending, underlining the British government’s growing willingness to talk about getting closer to the EU five years after departing the union.

The Conservatives’ shadow foreign secretary, Priti Patel, accused Starmer of “rolling the pitch for greater EU integration and less control for the U.K.”

London does not have a specific procurement mechanism in mind, according to officials, but wants to explore different options for joint initiatives. 

The U.K. and EU have so far failed to deliver on the promised “reset” in their relationship, as talks on British participation in Brussels’ SAFE procurement program collapsed in November. 

Starmer recently spoke of the need to revive discussions, but there is currently no new round of SAFE under consideration. 

The U.K. has had more success in striking bilateral partnerships, including a deal with Norway to supply their Navy with frigates, and collaboration with Germany, Italy and France on long-range missiles.

In further remarks, Starmer will acknowledge the need to “build consent for the decisions we will have to take to keep us all safe,” as his government faces claims it is not moving fast enough on defense spending.