Starmer’s comments come amid a major transatlantic rift over Iran, the latest episode that has put Europe at odds with Donald Trump’s America.
But the British leader downplayed suggestions that he is being forced to choose between the U.S. and EU.
“I’m not going to choose because I think it’s in our interest to have a strong relationship with the U.S. and with Europe,” he said
“But I do think that when it comes to defense and security, energy, emissions and the economy, we need a stronger relationship with Europe.” He added that “successive presidents” had in fact encouraged Europe to “do more” on its own.
Starmer has been negotiating a limited “reset” of relations with Brussels aimed at smoothing cross-channel trade in food, electricity, and carbon emissions — as well as more opportunities for young people.
But buoyed by a largely positive domestic reception, Starmer has since the new year hinted that he wants to expand negotiations to take in more areas — and potentially bring the U.K. back into large areas of the EU single market through aligning with regulations.