Sir Keir Starmer has called for an 'ambitious' new partnership with the European Union, citing the instability caused by Donald Trump's war with Iran and the US president's threats to quit Nato. The Prime Minister said Brexit had done 'deep damage' to the UK economy and that closer ties with Europe were essential for security and economic growth.
Speaking at a press conference, Starmer said the UK would seek a 'partnership for a dangerous world we must navigate together', signalling a pivot away from the US. He emphasised the need for closer cooperation on defence, security, energy and the economy, including exploring deeper links with the single market.
The comments came as Trump again threatened to pull the US out of Nato, describing it as a 'paper tiger', and criticised European nations for failing to support US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Starmer said he would not be pressured by Trump's remarks and would act in the British national interest.
A summit is expected in Brussels in June or July to discuss closer ties, though talks have stalled on issues such as youth mobility and a sanitary and phytosanitary deal. The UK is considering a dynamic alignment framework similar to Switzerland's agreement with the EU, covering sectors like food, energy, health and science.
A government source said the aim was to 'remove the Tory Brexit barriers that killed growth and hiked prices', adding that the UK would not let 'dogmatic' approaches ignore the benefits of a pragmatic partnership with Europe. The Cabinet Office is examining sectoral regulatory alignment to boost exports in areas such as medical devices and chemicals.
