Britain’s “Brexit years” are over, Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, emphasizing the need for stronger European security and cooperation.
Addressing an audience of global leaders, Sir Keir framed the post-Brexit era as an opportunity to strengthen ties with Europe, reduce dependence on the United States, and bolster collective defence in a period of global uncertainty.
Starmer’s speech comes amid heightened transatlantic tensions following US President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to seize Greenland from Denmark and a pattern of confrontational remarks toward European leaders.
The prime minister painted Europe as a “sleeping giant” whose combined economic and military strength could rival global competitors, particularly Russia and China.
“This is a moment to leave behind the inward-looking policies of the Brexit years and embrace a future built on collaboration with our European neighbours,” Starmer said.
“Our economies dwarf Russia’s tenfold, and we have massive defence capabilities that, when coordinated, can secure peace and stability.”
The prime minister underscored that European nations must not rely solely on the US for security. While he praised the historical contributions of America, he stressed the need for burden-sharing and greater autonomy in European defence.
“Our vision is not about US withdrawal but about ensuring that Europe takes responsibility alongside its allies,” Starmer added.
Starmer’s remarks highlighted both the potential and the shortcomings of Europe’s current defence and economic structures.
He noted that, despite vast resources, European nations often operate in silos, leading to inefficiencies and duplication. By fostering closer cooperation on defence production and industrial capabilities, Starmer argued, Europe could “turbocharge” its capacity to respond to threats.
The prime minister also directly linked the lessons of Brexit to present-day security concerns. “Turning inward, as we did during Brexit, would amount to surrender in a perilous era,” he warned. He framed the period of European disengagement as a cautionary tale, urging leaders to embrace unity rather than division.
Starmer’s speech followed months of provocative moves by President Trump.
Beyond Greenland, Trump has publicly criticised European Nato allies, accusing them of failing to contribute adequately to conflicts such as Afghanistan.
He has also attacked individual leaders and spread misinformation regarding Europe’s military role, contributing to unease in transatlantic relations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, attending the Munich conference on behalf of the Trump administration, described a “new era” in geopolitics, signalling a shift toward a more transactional approach to alliances.
Starmer responded by advocating for strategic European autonomy while reaffirming the importance of the US as a partner.
Starmer also used the platform to critique domestic political opponents. He singled out Reform UK and the Green Party for offering “easy answers on the extreme left and extreme right,” warning that their approaches risked weakening Europe’s unity.
Drawing on historical precedent, Starmer referenced a comment by former Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey before the First World War, cautioning that failure to collaborate could see “the lamps go out across Europe once again.”
“The future they offer is one of division and then capitulation,” Starmer said. “We will not allow that to happen.”
In addition to his speech, Starmer held trilateral talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasising joint defence initiatives.
“There is no UK security without European security, and no European security without the UK,” he told reporters. The discussions focused on practical steps for enhancing defence integration, sharing intelligence, and building a European industrial base capable of supporting military readiness.
The prime minister also addressed recent disputes over the EU’s €150 billion Security Action for Europe rearmament fund, acknowledging that financial disagreements had prevented Britain’s participation but suggesting that future cooperation remained a priority.
Starmer’s remarks were set against a broader context of concern for global security structures. The Munich Security Report 2026, titled “Under Destruction,” warned that current geopolitical trends, particularly under the US administration, risked dismantling decades of post-1945 international order.
“Sweeping destruction rather than careful reforms is the order of the day,” the report stated, noting that the US-led system that has maintained relative peace for more than 80 years now faces unprecedented strain.
The prime minister’s vision faced immediate criticism from Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, who accused Starmer of handing away UK sovereignty and being over-reliant on European integration.
Patel argued that while Britain should not overdepend on America, it must also avoid giving Europe a “blank cheque.” She highlighted what she described as Starmer’s “repeated surrenders to China” and questioned his ability to defend British interests on the international stage.
As the conference continues, attention is focused on whether Starmer’s call for European unity and greater defence autonomy will resonate beyond the UK.
Delegates from across the continent are watching how the UK balances its post-Brexit independence with the need for collaboration in security, trade, and diplomacy.
Starmer concluded his speech by appealing to a sense of shared responsibility. “Europe has the resources, the talent, and the resolve to secure its own future. Britain stands ready to work with its neighbours, not as a subordinate ally, but as a partner committed to a common cause.”
The prime minister’s message is clear: the Brexit era is behind Britain, and Europe—rather than a confrontational or unpredictable United States—must be central to shaping security and prosperity in the coming decades.
Read more here: Munich Security Conference highlights US limits and Europe’s security challenges
