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."