UK PM Starmer Agrees with Trump: Europe Should Do More for Defence
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that U.S. President Donald Trump is right about European countries needing to take more responsibility for their own defence. In an interview with the New York Times, Starmer explained that Europe must step up its efforts to ensure collective security. According to Reuters, Starmer is also working on forming a multinational military force to help protect Ukraine’s skies, ports, and borders after any future peace deal.
Starmer told the New York Times, “We need to think about defence and security in a more immediate way.” He acknowledged that Trump’s push for Europe to contribute more to its defence has merit. However, Starmer also pointed out that Trump’s actions, like imposing tariffs on British steel and criticizing Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, have caused confusion and uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, Starmer said he has a good personal relationship with Trump. But he emphasized that the U.S. president’s unpredictable decisions have created “quite a degree of disorientation” among allies.
This news highlights the growing pressure on European nations to invest more in their defence capabilities, especially as global tensions rise. Starmer’s plan for a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine shows his commitment to strengthening international security partnerships.
As reported by Reuters, this development reflects ongoing debates about how much Europe should rely on the U.S. for defence and how countries can work together to address global threats. Starmer’s comments suggest a shift toward greater European responsibility, while also acknowledging the complexities of dealing with Trump’s leadership style.
Credit: Reuters for original reporting and details.