Starmer urges UK and Europe to tighten ties as US reliability wanes

Keir Starmer told European leaders that the United Kingdom must draw nearer to Europe as the United States becomes a less‑reliable partner, The Guardian reported. The comments marked Starmer’s first major political intervention since leaving No 10.

He warned that the shift in relations with Washington that occurred during Donald Trump’s presidency is unlikely to be reversed once the president leaves office. Starmer said the UK and other European nations face a new reality in which the United States can no longer be counted on as a steady ally.

The former prime minister also highlighted the threat posed by Russia, adding that European leaders have already been caught out by these changing dynamics on two occasions. He urged a closer European partnership to counterbalance the evolving US stance and the broader security challenges facing the region.

Why it matters

A closer UK‑Europe alignment could reshape the country's foreign policy as it adjusts to a less dependable US relationship.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

31 Oct 2026, 19:02 IST

Key names

UK, Europe, Washington, Oval Office

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianStarmer says UK must get closer to Europe as US relationship changes 31 Oct, 19:02

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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