British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for stronger defense, security, and economic cooperation with the European Union amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Speaking at a press conference in London, he said that the United Kingdom’s long-term national interest requires building a closer partnership with European allies and the EU. Since taking office in July 2024, Starmer has sought to rebuild post-Brexit relations with the bloc, citing instability in the Middle East and the deep damage caused by Brexit as reasons for renewed cooperation.

Starmer emphasized that enhancing security and lowering the cost of living are opportunities too significant to ignore. His remarks come as the traditional “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom faces strain, with U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing Starmer’s stance on the Iran war. While Trump has hinted at reducing America’s role in NATO, Starmer reaffirmed that NATO remains the world’s most effective military alliance.

He stated that maintaining strong ties with both the U.S. and the EU serves Britain’s interests and announced that the UK will aim for a more ambitious economic and security cooperation agreement with the EU at a summit in Brussels later this year.