UK Leader Says Europe Must Be Ready for Conflict

At the Munich Security Conference, UK Labour leader Keir Starmer said Europe must be ready to face conflict. He also said the UK should have stronger ties with the EU and that the US is still an important friend.
By Newsroom | Politics, Europe |

Keir Starmer, leader of the UK's Labour Party, has stated that Europe must be prepared to engage in conflict, citing "warning signs" regarding Russia. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference 2026, Starmer also emphasized the need for stronger ties between the UK and the European Union, and underscored the continued importance of the United States as an ally. The conference, held from February 13-15, 2026, brings together global leaders to discuss pressing security issues.

Munich Security Conference live: Europe must be ready to fight Russia as ‘warning signs are there’, says Starmer - 1

European Autonomy and Transatlantic Bonds

The Munich Security Conference has become a focal point for discussions on European security and its relationship with the United States. Leaders are navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, marked by the ongoing war in Ukraine and shifting global alliances.

Munich Security Conference live: Europe must be ready to fight Russia as ‘warning signs are there’, says Starmer - 2

  • Key themes at the conference include:

  • The need for increased European defense autonomy.

  • The future of transatlantic cooperation.

  • Strategies for addressing Russian aggression.

  • Economic alignment and digital sovereignty.

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"The reality on the ground so far as the UK is concerned is we are working with the US on defence, security and intelligence, 24/7, every single day." - Keir Starmer

Starmer's Call for Preparedness and Cooperation

Keir Starmer's remarks highlighted a perceived urgency in the current security environment. He suggested that Europe needs to take on greater responsibility for its own defense while acknowledging the indispensable role of the US.

Munich Security Conference live: Europe must be ready to fight Russia as ‘warning signs are there’, says Starmer - 3

  • Starmer's central points included:

  • A declaration that Europe must be "ready to fight."

  • A call for increased European defense spending and coordination.

  • An affirmation of the US as a crucial ally.

  • A recognition of the need for Europe to adapt to a changing world order.

He also stressed the importance of the UK developing "deeper links" with the EU, particularly in the context of economic alignment, noting the "some urgency" in these relations due to the Ukraine war. Starmer rejected the idea of the UK distancing itself from existing partnerships, instead advocating for a vision of "greater European autonomy that does not herald US withdrawal, but answers the call for more burden sharing."

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Munich Security Conference live: Europe must be ready to fight Russia as ‘warning signs are there’, says Starmer - 4

Divergent Views on US Role and European Strategy

While Starmer emphasized a vision of shared responsibility and autonomy that complements US involvement, other discussions at the conference revealed differing perspectives on the transatlantic relationship and Europe's strategic direction.

  • US Perspective (represented by Marco Rubio):

  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed European leaders, aiming to "revitalize" the alliance rather than separate from it.

  • He expressed that the US does not know if Russia is "serious" about peace in Ukraine and indicated the administration's commitment to seeking peace.

  • European Perspective (represented by Ursula von der Leyen and others):

  • Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stressed the importance of the EU's "digital sovereignty," a point made despite US criticism of EU digital regulations.

  • She also called for putting pressure on Putin to engage seriously in peace talks.

  • French President Emmanuel Macron had previously called for a "strong Europe" on the first day of the conference.

  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged a "rift" between Europe and the US, while also praising "European solidarity" in response to past external pressures.

Evidence and Statements

Multiple sources confirm the key statements made at the Munich Security Conference:

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  • Keir Starmer's statements on Europe's need to be ready to fight and strengthen ties with the EU are reported by the BBC and The Guardian.

  • Marco Rubio's address focusing on revitalizing the US-Europe alliance and efforts for peace in Ukraine is covered by France24.

  • Discussions on European autonomy and digital sovereignty, as articulated by Ursula von der Leyen, are noted in The Guardian's live updates.

  • The broader context of the conference, including attendance and general themes, is provided by Al Jazeera and Euronews.

SpeakerKey MessageSource
Keir StarmerEurope must be ready to fight; need deeper UK-EU links; US remains indispensable ally.BBC, Guardian
Marco RubioUS aims to revitalize alliance; US does not know if Russia is serious about Ukraine peace.France24
Ursula von der LeyenEmphasized EU digital sovereignty; called for pressure on Putin for peace talks.Guardian
Emmanuel MacronCalled for a "strong Europe."Euronews
Friedrich MerzAcknowledged a "rift" between Europe and US; praised European solidarity.Euronews

Analysis and Implications

The Munich Security Conference is serving as a platform for European leaders to articulate a more assertive stance on defense and autonomy, even as they affirm the value of the transatlantic partnership.

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  • Starmer's assertion that Europe must be "ready to fight" suggests a recognition of escalating threats, particularly from Russia.

  • The emphasis on "greater European autonomy" without "US withdrawal" indicates a desire for burden-sharing and a more balanced partnership.

  • The noted "rift" between Europe and the US, and discussions on digital sovereignty, point to potential areas of friction and independent strategic development within Europe.

  • The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a central, driving factor for these security discussions, shaping immediate priorities and long-term strategic thinking.

Conclusion

The Munich Security Conference 2026 has been characterized by urgent calls for European preparedness and strategic autonomy. Keir Starmer's emphasis on readiness for conflict and the strengthening of UK-EU ties, alongside discussions on transatlantic roles and European sovereignty, indicates a continent grappling with evolving security challenges. The United States, represented by Marco Rubio, is seeking to reinforce its alliance commitments, while European leaders are simultaneously asserting their need for greater self-reliance. The conference outcomes will likely influence defense policies and diplomatic engagements across Europe and its key international partners in the coming months.

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Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Keir Starmer say about Europe?
He said Europe must be ready to fight and work with the US and EU. He also said the UK needs closer ties with the EU.
Q: Why is this important?
This shows that leaders are worried about safety in Europe and want to work together more.
Q: What else was talked about at the conference?
Leaders also talked about Europe being more independent in defense and working with the United States.