Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to pursue closer economic and security ties with the European Union, citing the ongoing war in Iran as a catalyst for enhanced cooperation. Speaking at a news conference, Starmer emphasized that the conflict's impact on global stability necessitates stronger alliances.
"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," Starmer stated.
He highlighted that Brexit "did deep damage to our economy" and argued that opportunities to bolster security and address the cost of living are "simply too big to ignore." A UK-EU summit scheduled for later this year will aim to build on last May's agreements covering fishing rights, trade, defense, and energy.
Starmer warned that the Iran conflict would affect the UK, particularly through rising energy costs, as Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical oil shipping route—has driven up wholesale oil and gas prices. He noted that support for households would be reviewed, but outcomes depend on the conflict's duration and the strait's reopening.
In response to opposition calls for immediate measures, such as removing VAT from energy bills or canceling a fuel duty hike, Starmer defended the government's approach, saying, "No matter how fierce this storm we are well-placed to weather it and we have a long-term plan to emerge from it a stronger and more secure nation." He pointed to recent actions, including removing some green levies from energy bills and increasing the national living wage.
When asked about potentially rejoining the EU single market, Starmer expressed ambition for deeper cooperation but reaffirmed Labour's manifesto commitment against returning to the single market, customs union, or freedom of movement. He also addressed strained UK-US relations, insisting, "I'm not going to choose because I think it's in our interest to have a strong relationship with the US and with Europe." He argued that closer EU ties could strengthen the UK's relationship with the US, as American leaders have long urged Europe to enhance its defense and security efforts.
Starmer's comments come amid criticism from former US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to withdraw from NATO over European allies' reluctance to join the war in Iran. Starmer reaffirmed the UK's commitment to NATO, calling it "the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen."