Sir Keir Starmer has stated that the United States “is correct” in asserting that the UK and Europe must assume greater accountability for defense and security.
The Prime Minister, addressing the Scottish Labour conference in Glasgow on Sunday, expressed that Britain “will take a principal role” in safeguarding the continent.
“Instability in Europe inevitably washes ashore,” he remarked.
“This is a moment of generational significance. I have been arguing for some time that we Europeans – including the United Kingdom – need to enhance our efforts in defense and security. The US is right to make this point.”
He continued, “we cannot cling to the comforts of the past,” emphasizing that it is “time to take charge of our security.”
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Donald Trump prompted an emergency gathering of European leaders this week by asserting that European NATO members should increase their defense expenditures, while the US ought to reduce theirs.
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Sir Keir has indicated he will outline a strategy for the UK to allocate 2.5% of GDP towards defense, an increase from the present 2.3%, but has not specified when this will take place.
It is anticipated that he may reveal the specifics during his visit with Mr. Trump in Washington DC on Thursday, accelerating an announcement originally expected in the spring with the release of a defense spending review.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the UK will “play our role” if necessary in Ukraine after a peace agreement, following his earlier statements this week that the UK would deploy troops as part of a peacekeeping mission.
Sir Keir will meet Donald Trump in the White House on Thursday. Pic: AP
However, his statements have led to a disagreement with Germany and Italy, who mentioned that it is premature to commit to deploying ground forces, while France voiced support for the UK.
Sir Keir remarked: “As we enter a new stage in this conflict, we must now enhance our solidarity even further.”
He stressed, “There can be no dialogue about Ukraine without involving Ukraine.”
“And the citizens of Ukraine must secure long-term safety.”
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This week has witnessed US officials convening with their Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine, a meeting that has drawn ire from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since none of his representatives were invited.
No European officials were invited as well, raising concerns that the US may be accommodating Vladimir Putin.
Sir Keir has assured Mr. Zelenskyy that he will advocate for the protection of Ukraine’s sovereignty during his meeting with Mr. Trump, who has labeled the Ukrainian president a dictator.
Mr. Trump has also claimed that Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron, who will also be visiting the White House this week, “haven’t done anything” to conclude the conflict.
