Starmer warns change in Europe-US defence relationship is permanent and 'not Trump aberration'

Published: 20:33 EDT, 31 October 2026 | Updated: 20:51 EDT, 31 October 2026 Sir Keir Starmer said Europe must build a common security framework as he warned the change in its defence relationship with the US was permanent and 'not an aberration of the Trump presidency'.In his first major intervention since leaving Downing Street, the former prime minister warned that 'things will not go back to the way they were' as America makes clear that it will no longer 'bankroll' its allies on the continent.Speaking at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce dinner in Dublin on Friday, he argued that Europe needed a 'common security framework as much as a common market' with the UK at its centre.He warned the continent had 'twice been caught asleep' – firstly by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and secondly by Donald Trump's insistence that it shoulder more of the burden of its own defence.Sir Keir said: 'A stronger Europe is vital and the UK must be at the heart of it.'He added: 'That doesn't mean the US relationship is no longer important. On the contrary, the military, security and intelligence alliance is far too strong for that.'But it does mean enabling Europe to take on far more responsibility for its own defence and security.'Sir Keir said the challenge 'goes far beyond' simply increasing defence spending. Former Prime Minister Kier Starmer looks on during a meeting in Downing Street in 2025During his premiership, the former Labour leader grappled with an increasingly strained relationship with President Donald Trump.He fell out with the US leader over his refusal to directly involve the UK in the Iran war and Mr Trump's threats to annex Greenland towards the end of his time in office.Sir Keir has left frontline politics after resigning as leader in the summer but signalled a desire to focus on international affairs.Reports previously suggested that he has his sights set on becoming secretary general of Nato.