Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will pursue an “ambitious” new partnership with the European Union, citing the global instability caused by the ongoing war in Iran.
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference today, Starmer warned that the conflict’s impact on energy prices and the economy would “define us for generation.”
The Prime Minister argued that while the UK will not be “dragged into” the military conflict, the resulting “oil crisis” makes European cooperation essential. He stated:
“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.”
This shift comes amid deteriorating relations with US President Donald Trump, who recently suggested he might withdraw the US from NATO.
In response to the economic strain, Starmer remarked that “Brexit did deep damage to our economy” and that the current crisis provides an opportunity to strengthen security.
He promised an upcoming summit with the EU to seek “closer economic co-operation” and “closer security co-operation” to navigate what he described as a “dangerous world.”
