The office of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on 13/2 announced a speech he will present at the Munich Security Conference on 15/2. In the speech, Starmer describes the US as an indispensable ally that has made unparalleled contributions to European security, but suggests a "European NATO" model would help the continent reduce its excessive dependence on the US.

"I am talking about a vision for greater European security and autonomy. This is not for the US to withdraw, but to answer Washington's call for burden-sharing and to restructure a relationship that has served us well," the speech states.

UK prime minister Keir Starmer in London on 11/2. Photo: AFP

"I see Europe as a sleeping giant. Our economy is 10 times larger than Russia's. We have immense defense capabilities. However, these are not achieving the expected effectiveness," the UK prime minister assessed, citing issues with the bloc's planning and supply.

Talks for the UK to join NATO's new rearmament fund worth over USD 160 billion broke down last year, reportedly due to London's hesitation over the joining fee.

In his speech to Europe, Starmer will call for increased defense cooperation between the UK and the EU. "The UK will not have security without Europe, and European security is not guaranteed without the UK. That is the lesson of history and the reality of today," the speech said.

The UK government on 13/2 also announced that it will spend over USD 540 million this fiscal year on hypersonic and long-range weapons, including cooperative projects with France, Germany, and Italy.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters, AP)