"Europe Must Stand on Its Own Two Feet": Starmer Unveils Carrier Strike Deployment

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a forceful message: Europe must rise to the moment and assume greater responsibility for its own security.

“Europe must stand on our own two feet,” Starmer said, urging leaders to move beyond “petty concerns” and build a stronger, more European pillar within NATO, underpinned by deeper integration and closer links.

He emphasized that this shift does not mean abandoning the transatlantic alliance. “Crucially we must do this with the US,” he said, stressing that Washington remains an “indispensable ally” whose contribution to European security over the past 80 years is “unparalleled.”

However, he acknowledged a changing strategic reality. The new normal, he argued, is Europe taking primary responsibility for its own defence.

UK to Deploy Carrier Strike Group

In the most concrete announcement of his speech, Starmer confirmed that the United Kingdom will deploy its Carrier Strike Group to the North Atlantic and the High North later this year.

Led by HMS Prince of Wales, the deployment will operate alongside the United States, Canada and other NATO allies.

Describing the mission as a “powerful show” of Britain’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic security, Starmer framed it as part of a broader push to strengthen deterrence and readiness across the alliance.

He underlined the UK’s enduring commitment to NATO’s Article 5 clause, stating: “Our commitment to Article 5 is as profound now as ever. And be in no doubt—if called upon, the UK would come to your aid today.”

“Europe Is a Sleeping Giant”

Starmer painted a stark picture of Europe’s defence inefficiencies. “Europe is a sleeping giant,” he said, noting that European economies dwarf Russia’s by more than ten times over.

Despite enormous economic strength and significant military capabilities, Europe suffers from fragmentation and duplication. The continent fields more than 20 types of frigates, around 10 types of fighter jets and over 10 types of main battle tanks—while the United States operates far fewer variants.

“It is wildly inefficient,” Starmer warned, arguing that decades under the US security umbrella allowed Europe to develop “bad habits” that must now be broken.

He called for greater coordination, more spending and better delivery, insisting that Europe must “spend more and deliver more and co-ordinate more.”

From Overdependence to Interdependence

Starmer rejected the idea that Europe should simply replace US capabilities. Instead, he advocated diversification and reduced dependency, combined with what he described as “generational investments.”

“Rather than pretending that we can simply replace all US capabilities, we should focus on diversifying and reducing certain dependencies,” he said. The goal, he argued, should be to move “from overdependence to interdependence.”

He also cautioned against complacency, warning Europe not to retreat into what he called a “warm bath of complacency.” The war in Ukraine, he said, has exposed weaknesses that can no longer be ignored.

Britain’s Post-Brexit Reset

To loud applause, Starmer declared: “We are not the Britain of the Brexit years anymore.”

He argued that turning inward in a dangerous world would amount to surrendering control rather than reclaiming it. “In a dangerous world, we would not take control by turning inward, we would surrender it,” he said. “And I won’t let that happen.”

He also signaled openness to deeper economic integration with the European Union where mutually beneficial, suggesting closer alignment with parts of the Single Market in selected sectors.

Security, Unity and Political Stability

Starmer stressed that British and European security are inseparable. “There is no British security without Europe, and no European security without Britain,” he said.

He dismissed suggestions that domestic political pressures were distracting him from international challenges, insisting his party remains united on Ukraine, defence and security.

Reaffirming the strength of the US-UK alliance, he said cooperation on defence, security and intelligence continues “24/7” and is “as tight now as it’s ever been.”