"The UK should consider re-entering talks for a defence pact with the EU, Keir Starmer has said, arguing that Europe needs to step up and do more to defend itself in uncertain times. The prime minister signalled that he wanted to work more collaboratively with other European countries to increase defence spending and build up military capability, and doing so through the EU's scheme is one option available."
"Talks for the UK to join the EU's 150bn (130bn) security action for Europe (Safe) defence fund collapsed in November 2025 amid claims the bloc had set too high a price on entry, with France blamed for the breakdown. However, there is understood to be greater appetite on all sides for a deal on the UK to join a future round of Safe, especially since Donald Trump's threats to take over Greenland and criticism of Nato."
"Europe, including the UK, needs to do more on security and defence That's an argument I've been making for many months now. We've got to step up and do more. It's not only President Trump who thinks Europe needs to do more but other presidents as well. I think the same. That's why we've made commitments to greater spending. I think we need to go beyond that."
Keir Starmer called for the UK to consider re-entering talks to join the EU's Security Action for Europe (Safe) defence fund to strengthen European defence cooperation. He said Europe, including the UK, must increase defence spending and build military capability amid uncertain times. Previous negotiations collapsed in November 2025 over contested financial terms with France blamed for the breakdown, but appetite for a future UK entry has risen, partly due to US rhetoric and Nato criticism. EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic will visit London on trade, energy and fisheries, and defence discussions may surface at an upcoming US-convened summit.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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