Starmer Challenges EU Leaders on Defence Spending Ahead of Reset Talks
Sir Keir Starmer urges EU leaders to boost defence spending and support Ukraine.
Keir Starmer,
EU Leaders,
Defence Spending,
Ukraine,
Brussels,
Vladimir Putin,
NATO,
Trade
Brussels: Sir Keir Starmer is focusing on security and defence with the EU. He wants leaders to unite and support Ukraine more strongly.
At a meeting in Brussels, he will ask European allies to increase their defence budgets. This is crucial to protect against Putin’s actions.
Starmer will emphasize the need for continued sanctions on Russia. He believes these measures have weakened the Russian economy since the invasion of Ukraine.
He also wants to ensure Ukraine receives military support. This will help President Zelensky as negotiations for peace may arise with Trump’s potential return.
Starmer recently hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at his estate. They discussed improving relations with the EU and strengthening defence cooperation.
He plans to advocate for all allies to step up their defence spending. Starmer has committed to raising the UK’s defence budget to 2.5% of GDP.
He noted that Trump’s threats of more sanctions have unsettled Putin. Starmer aims to keep pressure on Russia by targeting its energy revenues.
On the eve of his visit, Starmer and Scholz agreed on the importance of strong defences. They recognized that Russia’s actions highlight the need for unity.
Starmer will be the first UK prime minister to dine with EU leaders since Brexit. He hopes to reset the relationship and discuss security and trade.
There’s growing pressure on him to strengthen trade ties with the EU. This comes as Trump’s tariffs raise concerns about a global trade war.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urges Britain to lead in Europe. He wants an analysis of the benefits of a customs union with the EU.
Starmer will meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte before the dinner. He aims to propose a partnership to enhance cooperation on shared threats.
He previously discussed a defence pact with the EU, which would complement NATO. This would involve better coordination on defence capabilities and training.
Downing Street reports that Putin faces increasing pressure at home. Sanctions and war costs have led to rising inflation and interest rates in Russia.
Russian oil and gas revenues have dropped significantly. Britain has imposed sanctions on over 2,100 individuals since the war began.