Keir Starmer said the Iran crisis shows the UK needs to move closer to Europe as he signalled British warships could be part of a military operation that secures the Strait of Hormuz
Keir Starmer has said the Iran war shows the UK must move closer to Europe as Donald Trump threatened to pull out of Nato.
The Prime Minister said the conflict “will affect the future of this country” but said Britain would weather the storm as fears amount over the economic hit to households.
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, Mr Starmer said: “It is increasingly clear that as the world continues down this volatile path, our long-term national interest requires closer partnership with our allies in Europe and with the European Union.”
The PM also dismissed threats from Donald Trump to pull out of Nato, saying the UK was fully committed to the defensive alliance. And he said the UK would host talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz but warned “it won’t be easy”.
Here’s what you need to know from Keir Starmer’s press conference
1. Donald Trump’s Nato threats
Questioned about Donald Trump’s latest alarming suggestion that the US might abandon the Nato alliance, Mr Starmer said the UK is committed to the bloc.
The US President told The Telegraph on Wednesday he would consider pulling his country out. The unpredictable 79-year-old said: “Oh yes, I would say [it’s] beyond reconsideration.
“I was never swayed by Nato. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way.” But the PM defended the historic 32-member transatlantic alliance, which was formed in 1949.
He said: “Firstly, Nato is the single most effective military alliance in the world. It has kept us safe for many decades and we are fully committed to Nato.
“Secondly, whatever the pressure on me or others, and whatever the noise, I’m going to act in the British national interest in the decisions that I make. And that’s why I’ve been absolutely clear this is not our war, and we’re not going to get dragged into it.”
2. UK needs closer ties with Europe
The Prime Minister said Britain must get closer to the EU as the “world continues down this volatile path”.
He said: “As the Chancellor has rightly pointed out, Brexit did deep damage to our economy, and the opportunities to strengthen our security and cut the cost of living are simply too big to ignore.”
A new summit will be announced in the coming weeks, he said, where the UK will show it wants to be “more ambitious” on its relationship with Brussels.
“A partnership for the dangerous world that we must navigate together, a world where this Government will be guided at all times by the interests of the British people,” he said.
The PM did not rule out rejoining the single market when pressed by journalist, saying he was “ambitious” about seeking closer ties to the EU. But he then insisted Labour’s manifesto commitments not to rejoin the single market or customs union remained.
He added: “We made it clear in the manifesto that we wanted a closer relationship with Europe, so that is perfectly consistent with our manifesto.
3. Conflict will ‘affect future’ of UK
Opening his remarks, the Prime Minister said the war would have a profound impact on the UK for decades.
But he said the country is “well placed” to weather the storm, and said the response to the crisis would “define us for a generation”.
He said: “The conflict in the Middle East has now entered a second month
“And while we are working at pace for de-escalation and peace, it is now clear that the impact of this war will affect the future of our country.”So today, I want to reassure the British people that no matter how fierce this storm. We are well-placed to weather it and that we have a long-term plan to emerge from it a stronger and more secure nation.”
And he said that the way the Government responds will have an impact for decades to come.
The PM stated: “I am not prepared to ask the British people, once again to go through a crisis, come out of it and say ‘business as usual’ – back to the status quo.
“So – on our economy, on our energy and on our defence – this time will be different.”We will make Britain a fairer and more secure country because that hope is what is needed as the country comes together and because how we emerge from this crisis will define us for a generation.
“So – on our economy, on our energy and on our defence – this time will be different.”We will make Britain a fairer and more secure country because that hope is what is needed as the country comes together and because how we emerge from this crisis will define us for a generation.”
4. Military plan to secure Strait of Hormuz
The Prime Minister has hinted the British military could head an international operation to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
The vital shipping route – which transports 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas – has effectively been blocked by Iran since the start of the war. Mr Starmer announced that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will this week host a meeting of 35 allies to discuss measures to restore the freedom of navigation
And he went on to say this could be backed up by military forces.
The PM said: “Following this meeting, we will also convene our military planners to look at how we can marshal our capabilities and make the Strait accessible and safe after the fighting has stopped.
“Because – I do have to level with people on this, this will not be easy.” It comes after Trump indicated he would not play any role in sorting out the crisis he created.
The US President wrote on his Truth Social platform that allies like the UK would have to “build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT”. He continued: “You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us.”
5. Fuel duty
The Prime Minister was once again grilled on whether he’ll scrap plans to axe an incoming hike to fuel duty in September. But he sidestepped the question, saying it will be frozen until September and the government will keep this under review.
Mr Starmer also maintained his stance that drivers should continue as normal amid fears of fuel shortages. Asked if consumers should change their behaviour, he said the situation was being monitored closely – and the best thing for petrol prices would be an end to the conflict.
6. Questions on US state visit
Keir Starmer declined to say whether the King should meet the victims of Jeffrey Epstein during an upcoming state visit to America.
Asked if King Charles should meet the victims on the trip this month, he said: “In relation to the King, I think it’s important to appreciate this is part of the 250 celebrations. It’s a long-planned visit, and the US and UK are close allies, have been for a very, very long time.
