UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a forceful address on Europe’s security and Britain’s global role at the Munich Security Conference 2026 on Saturday (14 February).
Starmer emphasised the need to build hard power, stating: “We must be able to deter aggression, and yes, if necessary, we must be ready to fight, to do whatever it takes to protect our people, our values and our way of life.”
Reflecting on Britain’s recent history, Starmer insisted that the country had moved beyond the inward-looking approach of the Brexit years, declaring that in a dangerous world, turning inward would mean surrendering control — a path he vowed Britain would not take.
Starmer announced that the UK will deploy its carrier strike group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, to the North Atlantic and High North later this year under Operation Firecrest, operating alongside US, Canadian, and NATO allies. Thousands of personnel, Royal Navy warships, F-35 jets, and helicopters will participate.
The Prime Minister stressed that Britain and Europe share inseparable security interests, urging stronger cooperation, higher defence spending, and a more integrated European NATO to meet rising threats in northern Europe.
ℹ️ Munich Security Conference
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