Starmer Calls Europe ‘Sleeping Giant,’ Urges End To Overdependence On US Defence

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, has called on Europe to end its over dependence on the United States for defence, urging the development of a “more European NATO” anchored on deeper security ties with Britain.

Speaking Saturday at the Munich Security Conference, Starmer described Europe as a “sleeping giant” that must assume greater responsibility for its own security amid growing threats from Russia.

He said, “There is no British security without Europe, and no European security without Britain. That is the lesson of history, and it is today’s reality too.”

While reaffirming that the US remains “an indispensable ally” that has made “an unparalleled contribution to European security,” Starmer stressed that Europe must move toward what he termed “interdependence.”

“I’m talking about a vision of European security and greater European autonomy, that does not herald US withdrawal but answers the call for more burden sharing in full, and remakes the ties that have served us so well,” he said.

The Prime Minister identified Europe’s fragmented defence industrial base as a major weakness, noting that duplication and slow procurement processes have undermined efficiency.

“Across Europe, fragmented industrial planning and long, drawn out procurement mechanisms have led to gaps in some areas, and massive duplication in others,” he said.

He called for a “collective effort to build a stronger, more integrated defence capability, backed by historic increases in spending.”

Highlighting Britain’s contributions, Starmer said British companies account for over a quarter of Europe’s defence industrial base and employ about 239,000 people across the UK.

“We want to bring our leadership in defence, tech and AI together with Europe to multiply our strengths and build a shared industrial base across Europe which can turbocharge our defence production,” he added.

Starmer also confirmed that the UK’s defence budget would rise to record levels, with £270 billion allocated during the current parliament — the largest boost since the Cold War.

“To meet the threats we face, the UK defence budget is rising to record levels, delivering the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War, totalling £270 billion this parliament alone,” he stated.

The Prime Minister cited ongoing cooperation between the UK and European allies, including a £10 billion deal with Norway to supply frigates to its navy, an £8 billion Typhoon aircraft deal with Turkey, and joint work with Germany, Italy and France on next-generation long-range missiles.

“All while delivering jobs and growth at home,” he said.

On the political front, Starmer warned against what he described as ideological extremism across the political spectrum.
“We must level with the public and build consent for the decisions we will have to take to keep us all safe,” he said.

“Because, if we don’t, the peddlers of easy answers on the extreme left and the extreme right are ready. They will offer their solutions instead.”

He cautioned against any soft stance on Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), arguing that divisions could weaken Europe’s collective security.

“It’s striking that the different ends of the spectrum share so much. Soft on Russia and weak on NATO, if not outright opposed.

“And determined to sacrifice the longstanding relationships that we want and need to build, on the altar of their ideology.

“The future they offer is one of division and then capitulation. The lamps would go out across Europe once again. But we will not let that happen,” he said.

Concluding his address, Starmer urged European nations to stand together in defence of democratic values.

“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, and prove that they are worth fighting for.

“That’s why we must work together and show that by taking responsibility for our own security.

“In a volatile world, we help our people look forward not with fear, but with determination, and hope.”