Former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for Britain to strengthen defence and economic cooperation with Europe, warning that the continent should not assume the United States will continue providing security support on the same terms as in previous decades. Speaking at a British Irish Chamber of Commerce dinner in Dublin on Friday 30 October, he argued that the change in American priorities would outlast Donald Trump’s presidency. His comments, reported on 31 October, were his first major political intervention since leaving Downing Street.
A permanent change in transatlantic security
Starmer said Europe had failed to prepare adequately for two developments: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which exposed weaknesses in European defence, and the United States demanding that its European allies take more responsibility for their own security. He argued that the shift was not simply a temporary feature of the Trump presidency. This was Starmer’s strategic assessment, not an announcement that the United States had withdrawn from NATO or ended any treaty commitment.
A common European security framework
The former Prime Minister called for stronger coordination on defence and security, arguing that Europe needed a common security framework alongside its economic arrangements. He said Britain should be central to that effort and that defence cooperation could not be restricted to EU members, given the role of non-EU European countries in regional security. He argued that higher defence spending alone would not resolve gaps in coordination and preparedness.
US and NATO ties remain important
Starmer stressed that the military, security and intelligence relationship with the United States remains important. His proposals envisaged Europe assuming more responsibility while retaining the transatlantic alliance, rather than replacing NATO or ending cooperation with Washington. No new defence agreement was signed or announced at the Dublin dinner.
Closer economic ties with Europe
Starmer also criticised the economic consequences of Brexit and argued for closer cooperation with European neighbours. The remarks come amid debate about the current Government’s approach to UK-EU relations ahead of a planned November summit. Starmer did not announce a Government policy or a formal proposal for Britain to rejoin the EU, single market or customs union.
First major intervention since leaving office
Starmer spoke at Dublin City Hall, where he received honorary life membership of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his contribution to UK-Ireland relations. His comments echoed arguments he made as Prime Minister at the Munich Security Conference in February 2026, when he called for a stronger European role within NATO and deeper UK-EU defence links. The latest speech was notable for describing the change in US-European security relations as enduring.
What happens next?
Any closer UK-EU defence or economic arrangements would need to be negotiated by the current Government and relevant international partners. Starmer’s speech adds a former Prime Minister’s perspective to the debate, but it does not change Britain’s existing defence obligations or establish new policy. The Government’s forthcoming talks with European partners will provide a clearer indication of what practical changes may follow.