Starmer Seeks Closer EU Ties as Iran War Pressures UK

Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the UK will pursue closer economic and security cooperation with the European Union as the war involving Iran raises economic risks and geopolitical tensions.

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Speaking at a news conference, Starmer said the government plans to push for expanded collaboration with European partners at a UK-EU summit expected later this year. He said global instability made stronger ties with allies on the continent increasingly important.

The move comes as relations with the United States have come under pressure following Britain’s decision not to deepen its involvement in the conflict.

Starmer signals stronger EU partnership

Starmer said Britain’s long-term national interests require closer cooperation with Europe on areas including defence, energy and economic policy. He also repeated criticism that Brexit damaged the UK economy, arguing there were major opportunities in rebuilding ties with the bloc.

However, he maintained that Labour’s pledge still stands: the UK will not rejoin the EU single market, the customs union, or restore freedom of movement.

Energy costs and economic pressure

The conflict has raised concerns about rising energy prices in Britain. Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, pushing up global oil and gas prices.

Officials warn sustained increases could raise household energy bills when the UK’s price cap is reviewed in July.

Opposition parties are pressing the government to take immediate steps to shield households from higher costs. The Conservative Party (UK) and Reform UK are calling for the removal of VAT on domestic energy bills and the cancellation of a planned fuel duty increase scheduled for September.

The Liberal Democrats (UK) also oppose the duty rise, while the Green Party of England and Wales want billions in subsidies for household energy costs starting in July.

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru has urged the government to outline emergency support plans, and the Scottish National Party argues Scotland should gain control over energy policy.

Starmer said the government was monitoring developments and noted recent measures aimed at easing living costs, including changes to energy levies and increases to the national living wage.

He said further support would depend partly on how long the conflict continues and how quickly the Strait of Hormuz can reopen.

The Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development has warned that among major economies, Britain could face the largest slowdown in growth as a result of the war.

Tensions with Washington

The crisis has also strained relations with Donald Trump, who has criticised Britain after it declined to allow US forces to launch initial strikes on Iran from UK bases.

London later permitted those bases to be used for defensive operations against Iranian missile attacks.

Trump recently told the Daily Telegraph he was considering withdrawing from the NATO alliance after European countries did not join the US campaign.

Starmer rejected suggestions Britain was choosing between Washington and Europe. He said the UK remained committed to NATO while also strengthening partnerships across the continent.

“This is not our war,” he said, adding the government would continue making decisions based on Britain’s national interests.

Separately, Chancellor Rachel Reeves criticised the US decision to launch military action in the Middle East, saying the conflict had caused significant economic strain.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy is hosting a virtual meeting of 35 countries, including European and Gulf states, to discuss efforts to secure and reopen the Strait of Hormuz once fighting ends.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 April 2026