British opposition leader Keir Starmer recently delivered a powerful message at the Munich Security Conference: Europe must stop being a “sleeping giant” and take greater control of its own defense. He argued forcefully that the continent has grown too reliant on the United States and needs to build a stronger, more European-focused NATO.
The urgent call comes amidst growing anxieties among European leaders, particularly concerning the reliability of the United States as a security guarantor, especially if former President Donald Trump returns to power. Trump has frequently criticized European nations for not shouldering enough of the defense burden, casting shadows over America’s long-term commitment to NATO. With the war in Ukraine entering its fifth year and an increasingly aggressive Russia, the necessity for Europe to bolster its own defenses has never been more critical.
Starmer pointed out a compelling truth: Europe’s combined economy dwarfs Russia’s by ten times, and it possesses immense defense capabilities. Yet, he lamented that “fragmented planning and procurement problems” have often meant that Europe’s collective strength amounts to less than the sum of its parts. He passionately declared that “there is no British security without Europe, and no European security without Britain,” advocating for closer UK-EU defense cooperation despite past disagreements.
Britain is already stepping up, investing over £400 million this year in advanced weapons and joint projects with European partners. Starmer’s speech wasn’t just about financial commitment; it was a call for honesty. He urged leaders to “level with the public” about the real costs of defense and warned against “peddlers of easy answers” from extreme political views, cautioning that internal division could lead to severe consequences for the continent. His vision is unambiguous: a more autonomous, unified Europe, fully prepared to secure its own future.
