Keir Starmer says of European security "things will not go back to the way they were"

Former UK prime minister Keir Starmer, speaking Friday at a British-Irish business dinner in Dublin City Hall in his first significant public remarks since leaving office, argued that Europe needs a joint defense and security structure comparable to its economic union, with Britain playing a central role. He said Washington’s approach to European security has shifted durably rather than being a temporary feature of Donald Trump’s presidency, and that Europe must assume more responsibility after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Trump’s calls for allies to contribute more. Starmer said higher military budgets alone are insufficient and urged broader coordination across the continent, while stressing that ties with the US in defense, intelligence and security remain important. He received honorary membership from the chamber and has signaled interest in international affairs after stepping down as Labour leader.