At the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Europe to move away from overreliance on the United States and build a “more European NATO” grounded in deeper defense and security cooperation with the UK.
“There is no British security without Europe, and no European security without Britain,” Starmer said. “That is the lesson of history – and it is today’s reality too.”
While acknowledging the US as “an indispensable ally,” he emphasized the need for European interdependence, sovereign deterrence, and hard power, rather than expecting America to carry the full burden of continental security.
Europe Must Unite for Defense Autonomy
Highlighting Europe’s fragmented defense industry, Starmer criticized duplication and slow procurement processes that leave gaps in critical capabilities.
“Across Europe, fragmented industrial planning and drawn-out procurement mechanisms have led to gaps in some areas – and massive duplication in others,” he said.
The Prime Minister called for collective effort to integrate Europe’s defense industrial base, citing the UK’s existing contributions:
British companies form over 25% of Europe’s defense industry, employing roughly 239,000 people.
The UK aims to combine defense technology, AI, and industrial leadership with Europe to boost capabilities and production.
“Europe is a sleeping giant,” Starmer said. “Our economies dwarf Russia’s, ten times over.
We have huge defense capabilities. Yet, too often, all of this has added up to less than the sum of its parts.”
Record UK Defense Spending and International Partnerships
Starmer confirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening its military:
UK defense budget set to rise to £270 billion this parliament, marking the largest increase since the Cold War.
Highlighted UK-Europe collaborations:
£10 billion deal with Norway for naval frigates
£8 billion Typhoon fighter deal with Turkey
Joint projects with Germany, Italy, and France on next-generation long-range missiles
“All while delivering jobs and economic growth at home,” Starmer added.
Warning Against Extremism and Weak NATO Stances
On the political front, the Prime Minister cautioned against ideological extremes:
“Soft on Russia and weak on NATO – if not outright opposed. The future they offer is one of division and then capitulation.”
He stressed the need for public consent for defense decisions and warned against sacrificing longstanding relationships for ideological reasons.
Call to Action: Unity, Responsibility, and European Security
Closing his speech, Starmer urged a shared responsibility for Europe’s security:
“If we want to repair our social fabric, if we believe in our values, in democracy, liberty, the rule of law, then this is the moment to stand up and fight for them. We must work together, take responsibility for our own security, and face the future with determination and hope.”
