UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain should consider resuming talks with the EU on joining a defence pact, arguing that Europe must “step up and do more” on security amid growing global uncertainty.

Axar.az, citing The Guardian, reports that he signalled a willingness to work more closely with European partners to boost defence spending, capability and cooperation, with the EU’s €150bn Safe Defence Fund being one possible route.

Talks on UK participation in Safe collapsed in late 2025 over the cost of entry, but there is now renewed appetite for a deal, driven by concerns over Donald Trump’s stance on Nato and wider security threats.

While the UK has ruled out rejoining the EU’s single market or customs union, Starmer said closer defence cooperation makes sense and could benefit Britain’s defence industry, as pressure grows within Labour for stronger EU ties.