The UK should consider re-entering negotiations for a defense deal with the EU, Keir Starmer It says Europe needs “improvement and more action” to protect itself in uncertain times.
The Prime Minister has signaled that an option is available to work more cooperatively with other European countries to increase defense spending and build military capability, and to do so through the EU’s scheme.
Negotiations for the UK to join the EU’s €150bn (£130bn) security measure Europe The (SAFE) Defense Fund collapsed in November 2025 amid claims that the alliance had set too high a price for entry, blaming France for the breakup.
However, it is understandable that there is a greater appetite from all sides for a deal on the UK joining a future round of Safeguards, especially given Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland and criticism of Nato.
Asked during his visit to China if there was a case for the UK to go back to a second round of security deals if the price was right, Stormer said: “Europe, including the UK, needs to do more on security and defence… that’s an argument I’ve been making for months.
“We need to go further and do more. It’s not just President Trump who thinks Europe needs to do more, but other presidents too. I think the same. That’s why we’re committed to more spending. I think we need to go beyond that.”
The Guardian Revealed on Friday The UK and the EU are exploring the possibility of new talks on closer defense cooperation. Maroš Šefčovič, the EU’s trade commissioner, will arrive in London for talks next week, with trade, energy and fisheries high on the agenda.
Although defense is not currently on the agenda for that meeting, the EU and UK may have further opportunities to discuss defense at a political summit organized by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss key minerals in Washington on Wednesday, with the Foreign Office sending a minister.
Stormer wants to build on defense deals struck with European allies in recent months, and more bilateral deals are another option on the table. Norway has agreed a £10 billion deal Anti-submarine warfare ships It will be built in the UK, but Britain has agreed to sell 20 Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey for £8 billion.
“I think we need to do more together on cost, efficiency and collaboration. I have made the argument and we need to look at SAFE and other schemes to see if there is a way we can work more closely together,” Starmer told reporters.
“Whether it’s safe or other initiatives, it makes good sense for Europe – the EU and other European countries – to work more closely together in the broadest sense of the word. I support that and I hope to make some progress on that.”
The Safe Fund is made up of money raised by the European Commission on credit markets, which is given to member states over 45 years. They can buy everything from ammunition to drones and missiles.
The aim of the fund is for the EU to build up its defense capacity quickly, given the lack of support from Trump and his frequent threats against NATO.
The UK is not eligible to apply for a secured loan, but if it joins the program under third-country rules, UK companies can tender more procurement contracts to supply arms to the EU, boosting the British defense industry.
It is understood that the EU has demanded a contribution of around €2bn to the UK fund and that a British contribution of hundreds of millions is more appropriate.
Stormer is facing Pressure from own party For closer ties with the EU. He rejected the idea of rejoining the customs union because the UK would have to tear up trade deals with other countries, but the prime minister is understood to be keen on further alignment with the single market.
EU relations are increasingly becoming a dividing line labor And Nigel Farage’s version of the UK, although the government has ruled out the UK going back into the single market or customs union, or bringing back free movement.
In China, Starmer criticized the reform leader’s promises on Brexit. “I don’t listen too much to Nigel Farage on this. The murky deal we got from the last government hurt our economy,” he said.
“That’s why we need to reset that relationship and want to be more engaged on defense and security, energy, emissions and trade … When we get to this year’s summit, we want to not only follow the 10 strands decided at last year’s summit, but also engage with the renewable process.”
