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Starmer Pushes for Renewed UK–EU Defense Cooperation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Britain is ready to restart talks with the European Union on closer defense cooperation, after negotiations over access to the EU’s SAFE defense loan program broke down last year. Speaking during a visit to China, Starmer said he hopes to make progress on defense spending, military capabilities and joint cooperation with European partners, whether through SAFE or other initiatives. Previous talks collapsed in November over disagreements on how much the UK would need to contribute - According to Politico. While Britain can currently access SAFE as a third country, it does not have full participation rights. EU officials say there are no plans yet for a second SAFE fund, though other options — including cooperation on EU loans for Ukraine — remain under discussion. Starmer added that he wants a closer overall relationship with the EU, including on trade, energy and security, ahead of a planned UK–EU summit later this year.
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