Starmer says US‑Europe defence shift is permanent, urges common security framework

Speaking in Dublin, the former UK prime minister said the change in transatlantic defence ties is lasting and Europe must build a common security framework with the UK at its core.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 31 Oct 2026 15:16:41 GMT

Sir Keir Starmer, speaking at a British Irish Chamber of Commerce dinner in Dublin City Hall on Friday evening, warned that the United States’ decision to stop "bankrolling" European allies marks a permanent shift in trans‑Atlantic defence relations.

What happened

Starmer, in his first major public intervention since leaving Downing Street, addressed the audience at the BICC dinner and was awarded an honorary life membership for his role in strengthening UK‑Ireland relations. He argued that Europe needs a "common security framework as much as a common market" with the United Kingdom at its centre.

What the reports add

Both Standard articles convey the same remarks. They note that Starmer described Europe as having "twice been caught asleep" – first by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and second by former President Donald Trump’s decision to make the United States stop funding European defence. The reports also quote Starmer saying, "things will not go back to the way they were" as America makes its new stance clear.

What was said

Starmer told the audience, "A stronger Europe is vital and the UK must be at the heart of it," and added, "Europe has twice been caught asleep – failing to anticipate and prepare for predictable events. First when Russia’s attack on Ukraine exposed long‑standing European weaknesses on defence and security; and second when President Trump made clear, once and for all, that the US will no longer bankroll our European security. We have to catch up." (Standard)

How it came about

Starmer’s comments follow a series of recent trans‑Atlantic tensions. In September, Felo News reported that President Trump criticised Starmer as "too tough on Russia" ahead of a UN meeting. In October, the EU defence ministers pledged a larger NATO role while reaffirming the United States as an indispensable ally. These developments provide context for Starmer’s call for a Europe‑wide security framework anchored by the UK.

Key facts

Sir Keir Starmer warned that the US will no longer bankroll European security, describing the shift as permanent. (standard.co.uk)
Starmer called for a common European security framework with the UK at its centre. (standard.co.uk)
The remarks were made at a British Irish Chamber of Commerce dinner in Dublin City Hall on 31 October 2026. (standard.co.uk)