British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized his commitment to acting in the national interest regardless of external pressures on Wednesday. He stated this stance following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that he was considering withdrawing the United States from NATO.
At a press conference addressing energy costs, Starmer highlighted global instability due to the Iran conflict as a reason for Britain to strengthen ties with the European Union in both security and economic matters. He warned that the war could have long-lasting impacts akin to those of the 1970s energy crisis.
Trump had criticized several European nations, including Britain and France, for not supporting his stance against Iran, leading to strained transatlantic relations. The U.S. president urged these countries to become more self-reliant as he indicated that future assistance from the U.S. might be limited.
Starmer’s Labour government aims to rebuild EU ties, acknowledging that the Brexit deal reached in 2020 has caused significant economic damage.