‘Time to act, not talk, to defend the West,’ Starmer says after defence summit

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged European leaders to take decisive action rather than rely on diplomatic rhetoric, warning that the West stands at a “crossroads in history.” Speaking after a high-level defence summit at Lancaster House in London, he outlined a strategic four-step plan to bolster Ukraine’s defence and secure lasting peace in the region.

A new defence commitment

The summit brought together key global leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Among the outcomes was the announcement of a £1.6 billion missile finance deal that will enable Ukraine to purchase more than 5,000 missiles.

Addressing the press conference, Sir Keir stated:

“Every nation must contribute in the best way it can, and today we have taken important steps to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.”

He laid out the four pillars of the plan discussed at the summit:

1. Sustained military aid: The UK and its allies will maintain the flow of military assistance to Ukraine while increasing economic pressure on Russia.
2. Ukraine’s role in peace talks: Any future peace settlement must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, with Ukraine itself playing a central role in negotiations.
3. Strengthening Ukraine’s defence: Beyond securing peace, Western nations must continue enhancing Ukraine’s defensive capabilities to prevent future invasions.
4. Building a coalition of the willing: Countries willing to take further action will begin planning with urgency. Sir Keir confirmed that the UK is ready to contribute with “boots on the ground and planes in the air” alongside European partners.

A European responsibility

The Prime Minister stressed that while not every country may be able to contribute directly, those that can must take the lead. He emphasised that Europe, in particular, must “do the heavy lifting” in defending Ukraine and securing a just and lasting peace.

“This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act. Time to step up and lead, and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace,” he declared.

The meeting followed Ukrainian President Zelensky’s tense confrontation with former US President Donald Trump at the White House just days earlier. The rift highlighted divisions in Western support for Ukraine, with Trump’s administration taking a less committed stance on long-term security guarantees.

UK-US relations and defence strategy

When questioned about the reliability of the United States as an ally, Sir Keir was firm in his response:

“The US has been a reliable ally to the UK for many, many decades and continues to be. Our defence, security, and intelligence cooperation is unparalleled, and we will continue working together on global security issues.”

However, the Prime Minister also made it clear that European nations cannot afford to depend solely on American backing. He has been pressing for a security guarantee from Washington, aimed at deterring Russian President Vladimir Putin from violating any future peace agreement.

Reports indicate that Trump remains sceptical about such a proposal, dismissing it by stating that the British “can take care of themselves.” Starmer acknowledged that securing a US commitment remains subject to “intense” negotiations.

Zelensky’s visit to sandringham

Following the summit, President Zelensky flew directly to Sandringham, where he was warmly received by King Charles III. A military helicopter carrying the Ukrainian leader was seen arriving at 5:25pm, while local residents gathered outside the estate, waving Ukrainian flags in support.

Zelensky was greeted by the King at Sandringham House’s entrance before being welcomed into the Saloon for discussions over tea. The meeting, which lasted just under an hour, reinforced the UK’s continued solidarity with Ukraine. A helicopter was later seen departing at 6:35pm, with Zelensky heading back to London before flying out of the UK later that evening.

Looking ahead

With the UK and its allies pledging to strengthen Ukraine’s military and economic resilience, the Lancaster House summit marks a turning point in Western strategy. European leaders are expected to reconvene in the coming weeks to accelerate planning and ensure swift implementation of their commitments.

As global tensions mount, Sir Keir Starmer’s message remains clear: now is the time for action, not words, in defending the West and securing peace.