Starmer wants joint arms procurement with allies

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wants to promote the creation of a multinational defense initiative that would enable joint procurement of weapons and reduce the costs of rearmament. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing British government officials.

Starmer is expected to present this proposal during the Munich Security Conference this weekend, where he plans to call for closer defense cooperation with Western allies.

According to a statement from Downing Street, the prime minister will meet with several European leaders in Munich, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. In his speech on Saturday, he is expected to outline his vision for the future of European defense and security.

Earlier this month, Starmer confirmed that his government would consider applying for a second EU fund for defense projects worth several billion euros. The European Commission is considering a second edition of the SAFE loan system in response to concerns about Russia and uncertainty about US security commitments under President Donald Trump.

Britain had previously attempted to join the original €150 billion SAFE fund, but the plan fell through because Starmer's government refused to pay the entry fee, as the country is no longer a member of the Union.

(reuters, max)