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European Leaders Urged to Prepare for Conflict by PM at Munich Security Conference
Following a challenging period in his domestic political career, the prime minister has delivered a speech.
In a speech to world leaders on Saturday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the need for Europe to be prepared to defend its citizens, values, and way of life.
At the Munich Security Conference, Starmer advocated for strengthened economic ties and cooperation between the UK and EU, in addition to deeper links in other areas.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of Europe's self-sufficiency in defense, stating that the continent must be capable of standing on its own in terms of defense commitments.
As part of efforts to enhance security in the face of Russian threats, Starmer announced that the UK will deploy its carrier strike group to the Arctic and High North regions.
The High North encompasses the Arctic Circle and adjacent areas, a region of significant strategic importance.
The UK's initiative to counter Russian threats in the region will be joined by the US, Canada, and other Nato allies, according to Starmer.
Starmer warned that any future peace agreement in Ukraine would likely lead to accelerated Russian rearmament, emphasizing the need for Europe to be prepared to deter aggression and defend itself if necessary.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of building "hard power," which he described as the key to influence in the current era.
Previously, US President Donald Trump had expressed doubts about the commitment of European partners to defend their allies under Article 5 of the Nato agreement.
Formed in 1949, the primary objective of Nato was to prevent the expansion of the former Soviet Union in Europe.
With 32 member countries, including several Eastern European nations, Article 5 remains a core principle of Nato, stating that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
Starmer sought to alleviate Trump's concerns, reaffirming the UK's commitment to Article 5 and emphasizing its enduring importance.
The Prime Minister assured the conference that the UK would come to the aid of its allies if called upon, leaving no doubt about its commitment.
In her speech preceding Starmer's, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the Prime Minister as a steadfast ally and friend, noting that both the EU and UK face threats from external forces seeking to undermine their unity.
Von der Leyen also stated that Europe has undergone a period of significant upheaval, particularly with regards to its relationship with the US, and must now take greater responsibility for its own defense.
The EU Commission President emphasized the need for Europe to assume a more prominent role in its own defense, rather than relying on others.
Despite the UK's departure from the EU in January 2020, Starmer's government has sought to rebuild relations with Brussels, although it has ruled out rejoining the single market.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the current EU-UK relationship is not functioning as intended and that adjustments would be necessary, involving trade-offs.
Starmer suggested that the UK and EU could explore closer economic alignment in certain sectors, where it would be mutually beneficial.
The potential benefits of such an approach, according to Starmer, include enhanced security, economic growth, and increased defense spending, which could also facilitate the UK's role in European industrial renewal.
Starmer's address at the Munich Security Conference followed a tumultuous week in which he faced significant challenges to his leadership.
The Prime Minister's decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, despite his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, had sparked widespread criticism and led some Labour MPs to question their support for Starmer.
Anas Sarwar, the leader of the Scottish Labour Party, went so far as to call for Starmer's resignation.
However, Starmer's cabinet ultimately rallied around him, and he was able to withstand the challenges to his leadership.
When asked whether domestic challenges had weakened his position, Starmer responded by saying that he had emerged stronger by the end of the week.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with his current position, stating that it was a "very good place to be."
News
Hull Secures Fifth Championship with Win in Riyadh
Charley Hull of England claims her fifth Ladies European Tour victory, securing the PIF Saudi Ladies International title by a single stroke after carding a impressive final-round score of 65.
With a total of eight career titles to her name, Charley Hull has established herself as a formidable force in golf, having secured three victories on the LPGA tour.
The final leaderboard for the PIF Saudi Ladies International has been released.
The top of the leaderboard features Charley Hull at -19, followed closely by Casandra Alexander and Akie Iwai, both at -18, while Carlota Ciganda and Hye-Jin Choi are tied at -17.
Other notable finishers include Mimi Rhodes, Inbee Yoon, and Nasa Hataoka, all at -16, as well as Rachel Takeda at -12 and Emma Hamilton and Lauren Walsh at -10.
Charley Hull of England has emerged victorious at the PIF Saudi Ladies International, claiming her fifth title on the Ladies European Tour by a single stroke.
In the final round, the 29-year-old golfer, ranked fifth in the world, made a significant surge, carding six birdies in the last eight holes, including an eagle on the 12th hole and a birdie on the final hole, to finish with a 65.
After setting the pace in the clubhouse, Hull anxiously awaited the outcome, initially tied with Casandra Alexander at 19 under, but Alexander's three-putt on the 17th hole and missed birdie putt on the last sealed her fate.
Alexander, who shot a 68, ultimately tied for second place with Japan's Akie Iwai, while Carlota Ciganda of Spain and Hye-Jin Choi of South Korea finished in a tie for fourth at 17 under.
Mimi Rhodes of England, who had taken the lead after the first round with a 64, finished in a tie for sixth place at 16 under, following a strong final round of 67 at the Riyadh Golf Club.
Hull's victory earned her a prize of $750,000, equivalent to £549,000, marking a triumphant start to the 2026 season, having also won her last LET title on the same course in 2024.
Upon being informed of her win while practicing, Hull responded with relief, stating, "Hooray, at least I can pay my house off now."
Hull reflected on her hard work during the off-season, saying, "It's great to get a result so early on, especially in one of the bigger events on the LET, which feels like a home tournament for me."
Starting the day three strokes behind the leader, Hull made a two-under turn and continued to make her move.
Although she dropped a shot on the 10th hole, Hull quickly regained momentum, picking up four strokes in the next three holes, including a notable 60-foot eagle putt on the par-five 12th.
With additional birdies on the 15th and 18th holes, Hull put pressure on her competitors to match her score.
Akie Iwai, who had briefly shared the lead, suffered a setback with a three-putt bogey on the 17th, leaving her two strokes off the pace.
After Casandra Alexander also bogeyed the 17th, Hull was finally able to celebrate her victory, despite Iwai's birdie on the final hole, which resulted in a 67.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Mimi Rhodes commenced her bid to secure a spot on the Solheim Cup team in September with an impressive final round, featuring six birdies and only one dropped shot.
News
Brazil Claims Historic First Winter Olympics Medal with Skier’s Victory
Brazil secured its inaugural Winter Olympic medal, courtesy of Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who took the top spot in the giant slalom event, earning the country’s first gold.
A historic milestone was achieved by Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who secured Brazil's first-ever Winter Olympic medal, taking the top spot in the giant slalom event.
Pinheiro Braathen, the son of a Norwegian father and a Brazilian mother, was born in Oslo and initially competed for Norway, earning World Cup medals before his unexpected retirement in 2023, citing a loss of passion for the sport.
One year after his retirement, Pinheiro Braathen rediscovered his enthusiasm for skiing and made a comeback, this time representing Brazil, a decision driven by his desire to pay tribute to his maternal heritage.
On the Stelvio piste in Bormio, Pinheiro Braathen delivered an exceptional performance, outpacing Swiss skier Marco Odermatt by 0.58 seconds to claim the gold medal, while Loic Meillard, Odermatt's teammate, took the bronze.
This gold medal also marks a significant milestone as the first Winter Olympic medal won by any country from South America.
A day-by-day guide to the Winter Olympics is available for those looking to stay up-to-date with the events.
The full schedule, including the timing of medal events, can be accessed for planning purposes.
The Winter Olympics 2026 medal table provides an overview of the current standings.
News
Sweden Overcomes Crash to Claim Silver Medal
Sweden secured a remarkable silver medal in the women’s cross-country ski final, with Frida Karlsson orchestrating a stunning recovery effort after teammate Ebba Andersson suffered a crash that resulted in the loss of one of her skis.
In a stunning turn of events, Sweden secured a silver medal in the women's cross-country ski final, thanks in large part to Frida Karlsson's impressive recovery efforts after teammate Ebba Andersson suffered a crash and lost a ski.
For more Olympic coverage, view our Winter Olympics video section.
Please note that this content is only accessible to users in the United Kingdom.
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