Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Will not choose between US and Europe, says Starmer

“The idea that we must choose between our allies, that somehow we’re with either America or Europe is plain wrong. I reject it utterly,” Starmer said.

Starmer said the UK can work with both allies. (Photo: Getty Images)
Starmer said the UK can work with both allies. (Photo: Getty Images)

KEIR STARMER has stated that the country does not need to choose between its alliance with a Donald Trump-led United States and its European neighbours.

Delivering a keynote speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet in London on Monday, the prime minister said the UK can work with both allies.


“The idea that we must choose between our allies, that somehow we’re with either America or Europe is plain wrong. I reject it utterly,” Starmer said.

Starmer has spent much of his first five months in office working to improve relations with the European Union after the UK's tense departure from the bloc under the previous Conservative government. However, Trump's recent victory in the US presidential election has sparked concerns that his policies, including a potential trade war with the EU, could complicate Starmer's efforts to reset UK-EU relations.

Trump, during his campaign, referred to the European Union as a "mini China" while criticising the US trade relationship with the bloc. Last week, he announced tariffs of 10 to 25 percent on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada, with similar measures expected for EU goods.

Starmer compared the current situation to Britain’s post-World War II foreign policy, saying, “(Clement) Attlee did not choose between allies. (Winston) Churchill did not choose. The national interest demands that we work with both.”

Labour, historically aligned with the Democratic Party, has made efforts in recent months to engage with Trump's administration. Starmer held a two-hour dinner with Trump in September. Despite this, previous criticisms of Trump by senior Labour members and the inclusion of Starmer critic Elon Musk in Trump's administration could challenge UK-US relations.

Starmer reaffirmed the importance of the UK's "special relationship" with the United States, pledging closer ties. “This is not about sentimentality. It is about hard-headed realism,” he said.

On foreign policy, Starmer reiterated support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia, stating, “as long as it takes.” He also outlined plans to increase UK defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, above NATO's two per cent target, and called on European nations to boost their defence contributions. “It is vital that all European nations step up to protect our shared future,” he added.

(With inputs from AFP)

More For You

Guide to Watching Saturday’s Partial Solar Eclipse Safely

This eclipse offers a great chance to observe the movements of the solar system

Getty

How to watch Saturday’s partial solar eclipse

Skywatchers in the UK should prepare their eclipse glasses for an exciting astronomical event on Saturday morning – a partial solar eclipse. If the weather permits, the Moon will pass in front of the Sun, creating the visual effect of a ‘bite’ being taken out of it.

Where and when can you see the eclipse?

The partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK, offering an opportunity to see the Moon cover around 30% to 50% of the Sun at its peak. The best views will likely be enjoyed in areas of south-east England, East Anglia, and the Midlands, where the weather is expected to provide clearer skies.

Keep ReadingShow less
uk-railways-iStock

The package includes £415 million to upgrade the rail line between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York, a route affected by delays and disruptions. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Government announces £1.7 bn transport investment for the North

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a £1.7 billion investment to improve transport infrastructure across the North, focusing on buses, roads, and rail.

The funding aims to upgrade key routes and improve connectivity across the region.

Keep ReadingShow less
 20 Years of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ – A TV Legacy That Lives On

20 years of love, loss, and unforgettable moments—Grey’s Anatomy continues to define TV drama

Pinterest

20 years of 'Grey’s Anatomy': The show that became a lifeline

For someone who has always craved fast-paced crime shows, I never thought I’d care about a hospital drama. The scrubs, the medical jargon, the beeping monitors, it all felt distant, clinical. But life breaks you open when you least expect it. I started Grey’s Anatomy on a night when my own grief was too loud. I needed noise to fill the silence. Then Meredith Grey’s voice cut through:

“So, do it. Decide.
Is this the life you want to live?
Is this the person you want to love?
Is this the best you can be?
Can you be stronger? Kinder?
More compassionate? Decide.

Keep ReadingShow less
IPL 2025 – GT vs MI: Who Will Secure Their First Win

Both teams eager to secure their maiden win of IPL 2025

Getty

IPL 2025 - GT vs MI: Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians aim for first win

The ninth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will take place on March 29 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, featuring a highly anticipated clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI). Both teams will be keen to register their first win of the season after disappointing starts in their respective opening matches. This game is expected to be a closely fought contest, with each side eager to make an early impact in the tournament.

Gujarat Titans: Seeking redemption after high-scoring defeat

Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, began their IPL 2025 campaign with a high-scoring encounter against the Punjab Kings, but unfortunately ended up on the losing side. Despite some positive individual performances, the team was unable to secure a victory, and they will be keen to turn things around against MI.

Keep ReadingShow less
Why Do Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Different Days? 3 Key Reasons

Some may celebrate on one day, while others may observe it the next

iStock

3 reasons why Muslims across the globe celebrate Eid al-Fitr on different days

Eid is one of the most joyous and important festivals in Islam, celebrated twice a year by Muslims worldwide. However, it’s common to see variations in the exact day of celebration, even within the same country. Some may celebrate on one day, while others may observe it the next. This divergence can sometimes confuse people outside the Muslim community and even among Muslims themselves. But the reasons for this variation are rooted in Islamic traditions and differing interpretations of how to determine the Islamic calendar.

Here are the three main reasons why Muslims don’t always celebrate Eid on the same day:

Keep ReadingShow less