Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, February 14, 2026, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned Europe must shift away from “overdependance” of US and move towards European “interdependence”, calling for a more European-led NATO underpinned by deeper UK-EU defence and industrial cooperation.
PM Starmer warned the security environment had shifted dramatically, that Russia’s aggression was now being felt across the continent through disinformation, cyberattacks and sabotage, alongside its ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
PM Starmer argued that the war in Ukraine demonstrated the need for faster and more coordinated action, and warned Russia was continuing to re-arm and rebuild its industrial base despite heavy losses. He called for deeper UK-EU coordination and cooperation across defence, industry, technology, and the wider economy, describing this as central to strengthening European security.
PM Starmer also said the UK would deploy its carrier strike group to the Arctic and High North as part of efforts to bolster security against Russian threats. PM Starmer said NATO allies would be part of the initiative to combat Russian threats in the region.
PM Starmer said European leaders must be prepared to make difficult decisions and build public consent for increased defence spending and rearmament, arguing that political hesitation could allow extremist voices to fill the vacuum.
In the 1930s, leaders were too slow to level with the public about the fundamental shift in mindset that was required.
So we must work harder today to build consent for the decisions we must take to keep us safe.
Because if we don’t, the peddlers of easy answers are ready on the extremes of left and right and they will offer their solutions instead.
It’s striking that the different ends of the spectrum share so much. Soft on Russia. Weak on NATO. If not outright opposed. And determined to sacrifice the relationship we need on the altar of their ideology.
The future they offer is one of division and then capitulation.
The lamps would go out across Europe once again. But we will not let that happen.
If we believe in our values, in democracy, liberty and the rule of law. This is the moment to stand up and to fight for them. That is why we must work together.
And show that by taking responsibility for our own security, we will help our people look forward. Not with fear, but with determination. And with hope.
Source:
Gov.UK: Transcript of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s speech at the Munich Security Conference: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-speech-during-the-munich-security-conference-14-february
George Allison, UK Defence Journal: Starmer warns Europe must end overdependence on US https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/starmer-warns-europe-must-end-overdependence-on-us/
Fiona Nimoni, BBC: Europe must be ready to fight, PM tells Munich Security Conference https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp853p5g9meo