# Keir Starmer
Latest news and articles about Keir Starmer
Total: 12 articles found
Starmer Pledges to Speed Up UK’s Push to 3% Defence Spending, Urges a ‘Ready to Fight’ Europe
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to accelerate Britain’s move to spend 3% of GDP on defence, stressing that Europe must be prepared to fight and that UK security remains bound up with the Continent. The vow aims to reassure NATO allies and domestic audiences, but its strategic value will depend on execution, procurement, and cooperation with European partners.
Starmer Sends Carrier to the High North: Britain Reasserts Naval Muscle and NATO Resolve
At the Munich Security Conference, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a carrier strike group, including HMS Prince of Wales, will deploy to the North Atlantic and the High North this year. The move is intended as a signal of NATO resolve, a prompt to European defence cooperation and a demonstration of Britain’s post‑Brexit security role, while also heightening strategic competition in the Arctic.
Beijing Signals It May Grant Visa-Free Access to British Citizens—Details to Follow
China has told reporters it is considering unilateral visa-free access for British citizens, with detailed terms to be announced after internal procedures are completed. The move, floated during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit, would be a high-profile confidence-building step with uncertain scope and timing.
China Signals Possible Visa-Free Entry for British Citizens as Starmer Visits — Details Pending
China has indicated it will announce details “in due course” about a possible unilateral visa-free regime for British citizens, a proposal raised during UK prime minister Keir Starmer’s visit. The move would be a pragmatic confidence-building measure with potential economic upside, but its impact depends on the specific terms and security safeguards.
Trump Reconsiders, Clearing Way for UK Return of Chagos Sovereignty — with Guarantees for Diego Garcia
Donald Trump has reportedly reversed his opposition to a 2025 agreement under which Britain transfers sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, after UK and U.S. officials secured new assurances on the continued operation of the Diego Garcia military base. The development preserves a key U.S. outpost in the Indian Ocean while reopening questions about colonial-era dispossession, legal exposure and alliance management.
Starmer Eyes Closer EU Defence Ties as Britain Reconsiders SAFE Fund
Britain is considering joining a second round of the EU’s SAFE defence financing programme, reopening a debate over post‑Brexit security cooperation. The move would deepen practical ties with European partners but will hinge on agreement over costs, legal terms and governance.
Xi and Starmer Agree to a 'Long‑Term, Stable' Strategic Partnership as UK Prime Minister Visits Beijing
China and the UK agreed to develop a "long‑term, stable, comprehensive strategic partnership" after a meeting between Xi Jinping and Keir Starmer in Beijing. Beijing presented the outcome as a new, predictable framework for bilateral engagement, but the substance will be tested by future agreements and by how London balances ties with Washington and domestic scrutiny.
Xi and Starmer Agree to Reset: Beijing and London Pledge a 'Long‑Term, Stable' Strategic Partnership
Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in Beijing on January 29 and agreed to develop a "long‑term, stable comprehensive strategic partnership," a diplomatic formulation Beijing says reflects a new vision for bilateral ties. The declaration signals a mutual interest in resetting relations but leaves major political and security questions open, making concrete follow‑through crucial.
Trump’s Dismissal of Allies’ Role in Afghanistan Draws Sharp Rebukes from Britain, Australia and NATO
President Trump’s comments that NATO and other allies ‘‘hid behind’’ the U.S. in Afghanistan drew strong rebuttals from Australia, the UK and NATO leadership. Leaders emphasized the heavy costs borne by their forces and sought to reassure that alliances remain intact, even as the episode highlights risks to coalition cohesion and U.S. credibility.
Trump Praises British Troops After NATO 'Off the Front Lines' Remark Sparks Allied Fury
President Trump praised British troops on social media after his remarks in Davos suggesting some NATO partners had stayed “off the front lines” in Afghanistan drew strong criticism from allies. The selective praise, following a phone call with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was widely interpreted as a partial withdrawal of his earlier comments rather than a full apology, leaving strain with other NATO capitals.
Beijing Offers Cautious Response on Reported Trump, Chinese and Starmer State Visits
China’s Foreign Ministry declined to confirm media reports of a prospective April visit to China by U.S. President Donald Trump or a reciprocal year‑end visit by a Chinese leader, while offering similarly cautious language about a possible visit by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The non‑committal response reflects Beijing’s preference for tightly managed summit diplomacy amid high strategic stakes in U.S.–China and China–U.K. relations.
Beijing Keeps Cards Close as Questions Mount Over Trump, Xi and Starmer Visits
China’s Foreign Ministry declined to confirm media reports that President Trump will visit China in April or that China’s leader will visit the U.S. later this year, while also saying details of a possible UK prime ministerial visit will be announced in due course. Beijing framed summit diplomacy as essential but offered no specifics, signaling a cautious, tightly managed approach to top‑level engagement.