Keir Starmer Advocates Stronger European Cooperation for Security and Migration

Britain's new prime minister Keir Starmer has called for deeper defence and security cooperation in Europe to support Ukraine and tackle illegal migration. Speaking at the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace, Starmer emphasized resetting post-Brexit ties and developing stronger relationships across Europe.

Britain's new prime minister, Keir Starmer, hailed European unity on Thursday, saying deeper defence and security cooperation would better support Ukraine while shared intelligence could help tackle illegal migration. Speaking at the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace, Starmer said stronger relationships had been developed at the summit, marking his first step to reset post-Brexit ties with the European Union.

Starmer's push for closer cooperation comes amid concerns about the possible election of Donald Trump, who has suggested cutting U.S. support for Ukraine. 'We are going to deepen our cooperation on defence and security and on illegal migration,' Starmer announced at the EPC, a grouping created after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Starmer, who took office two weeks ago, distanced himself from the previous government, emphasizing practical solutions to migration and stronger European relations. During his first international trip as prime minister, he called on Europe to do more to support Ukraine and committed Britain to cracking down on Russia's 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers used to break sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies.)