Starmer calls for UK to get closer to EU after Trump criticism and warns coming weeks ‘won’t be easy’
Sir Keir Starmer warned Britons that the coming weeks “will not be easy” as he called on the UK to develop closer ties with the European Union to deal with the global consequences of the Iran war.
The Prime Minister said the “volatile” international situation caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Tehran meant Britain’s “long-term national interests require closer partnership with our allies in Europe and the European Union”.
He added that Brexit had “profoundly damaged our economy” and that “the opportunities to strengthen our security and reduce the cost of living are too great to ignore”.
But he insisted Labor remained determined not to rejoin the customs union, single market or freedom of movement at the general election.
Sir Keir’s bid to bring Britain and the European Union closer together comes as Donald Trump dealt a further blow to the transatlantic relationship on Thursday, branding the US a “paper tiger” and saying he was considering withdrawing the US from NATO.
In response, Sir Keir attacked what he described as “noise” and “pressure” for Britain to enter the war, and reiterated that “we will not be dragged into this”.
But as fears of an economic crisis grow within the country, he added, “I need to get on the same level with people on this, it’s not going to be easy.”
But in a sign that the special relationship remains important despite the coups in recent weeks, he claimed that the move “will strengthen our relationship with the United States, because successive presidents have said Europe needs to do more on defense and security.”
In a bid to ease the crisis, he said the foreign minister will chair a meeting of international leaders on Wednesday to consider “feasible diplomatic and political measures” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for world oil supplies. He added that military planners will also look at “how we can marshal our capabilities” to safely open the waterway after any ceasefire.
Best for Britain, a campaign group calling for closer relations with the EU, said Sir Keir was “entirely right to want much closer cooperation with our European allies and friends” during “Trump’s devastating Iran war”.
On Tuesday, Trump singled out Britain for Sir Keir’s reluctance to join the war; He wrote on social media that “the US will no longer be there to help you, just like you are not there for us” and told his allies that they should “buy your own oil”.
Experts predict household energy costs could rise by an average of £288 from July.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated she will not provide households with a comprehensive Liz Truss-style energy rescue package, but will instead focus on those who need the help most.
