UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer affirmed that the country will not prioritize either the US or the EU, despite tensions arising from President Trump's trade threats. During his visit to Brussels, Starmer emphasized the importance of balancing both relationships while also strengthening defense an
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized that the UK is "not choosing between the US and the EU" in light of President Donald Trump's recent trade threats against the European Union.
Trump's weekend announcement included 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, which have since been suspended, but he warned of similar measures targeting the EU. He also suggested that a potential deal could be "worked out" with the UK.
During a press conference in Brussels, Starmer made it clear that the UK values both its relationship with the US and its ties with the EU. He reiterated that the UK's diplomatic strategy will continue to balance both alliances, stressing that this approach is not new and has been a long-standing policy.
Starmer's remarks came as he met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and participated in EU leaders' talks. Starmer stated that the UK would maintain open and strong trading relations with the US and the EU. He also downplayed the possibility of prioritizing one over the other, calling it "early days" in the tariff discussions with the US.
On defense matters, Starmer discussed NATO’s importance and advocated for increased military cooperation between the UK and Europe. He emphasized the need for better military mobility, research, development, and protection against state threats. This came after the UK raised concerns about Russian activity near undersea cables, underscoring the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure.
While defense remained the central focus of his Brussels visit, Starmer also highlighted the UK’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the EU post-Brexit. However, balancing this objective with the UK’s trade relationship with the US presents challenges, as a stronger bond with the EU could risk straining ties with Washington.
Similarly, the EU might object to the UK aligning too closely with the US, rather than prioritizing European interests.
In the face of these delicate negotiations, Sir Keir Starmer reiterated the UK’s goal of fostering a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship with both sides of the Atlantic, a strategy that will require careful diplomacy moving forward.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 5th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Donald Trump’s tariff threats on Canada, Mexico, and China unsettle U.S. firms, raising costs and supply risks. Many affected companies are led by Democratic-leaning executives, fuelling political tensions.
The U.S. dollar remained firm on Tuesday as President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats were seen as a negotiation tactic rather than a definitive policy shift. While planned tariffs on Mexico and Canada were suspended, a new 10% levy on Chinese imports took effect, prompting a swift but measured
TikTok may be back online for now, but its long-term fate in the United States remains uncertain. A temporary pause on a ban, granted by President Trump’s executive order delaying enforcement, has bought the company some time—but a final resolution is still pending.
A U.S. judge has extended a block on the Trump administration’s plan to freeze federal loans and grants, ruling that the policy may have violated Congress’ authority over government spending. The decision follows a similar order issued last week, keeping the funding freeze on hold.
Google has revised its AI principles, removing previous commitments not to develop artificial intelligence for weapons or surveillance technologies.
Belgian police are searching for suspects after a shooting near Clemenceau metro station in Brussels early Wednesday. Multiple stations have been closed, but no injuries were reported. Investigators are probing possible drug-related links.
French President Emmanuel Macron denied any “agreement” or “collusion” with the Swiss company Nestlé over the bottled water scandal.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday ordering the creation of a sovereign wealth fund within the next year, saying it could potentially buy the short video app TikTok.
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport has released the preliminary report on the investigation on Azerbaijan Airlines's flight J2-8243's tragic crash. Read excerpts from the report and watch AnewZ's complete coverage.
An American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the Potomac River after a midair collision near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, officials said.
The U.S. has officially entered a new trade war. President Donald Trump has slapped 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% on China, citing immigration and drug trafficking concerns. The move has immediate consequences for businesses and consumers—so what happens next?
Belgian police are searching for suspects after a shooting near Clemenceau metro station in Brussels early Wednesday. Multiple stations have been closed, but no injuries were reported. Investigators are probing possible drug-related links.
French President Emmanuel Macron denied any “agreement” or “collusion” with the Swiss company Nestlé over the bottled water scandal.
At least 11 people, including the gunman, were killed in Sweden's worst mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro, west of Stockholm, authorities confirmed.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and prohibiting any future funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for the Near East (UNRWA), the agency which provides relief for Palestinian refugees.
Google has revised its AI principles, removing previous commitments not to develop artificial intelligence for weapons or surveillance technologies.
Belgian police are searching for suspects after a shooting near Clemenceau metro station in Brussels early Wednesday. Multiple stations have been closed, but no injuries were reported. Investigators are probing possible drug-related links.
French President Emmanuel Macron denied any “agreement” or “collusion” with the Swiss company Nestlé over the bottled water scandal.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday ordering the creation of a sovereign wealth fund within the next year, saying it could potentially buy the short video app TikTok.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment