Press for EU defence ties, Labour MPs urge Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer has been pressed by his own MPs to go faster in pursuing closer relations with Europe on defence and security, amid an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine and fears for global security.

- MILLIE COOKE

It comes after Vladimir Putin used a new ballistic missile against Ukraine on Thursday, claiming the use of the weapon was in response to the UK and US allowing long-range missiles supplied to Ukraine to be used to strike targets within Russia’s borders.

Calvin Bailey, who served in the RAF for 24 years and is now the Labour MP for Leyton and Wanstead, called for “an acceleration of the government’s work to rebuild our partnerships on the continent” in order to promote security at home and abroad.

He told The Independent that the UK should prioritise cooperation with Europe in Labour’s Strategic Defence Review – a “root and branch review” of UK defence – launched by Sir Keir when he took office.

Mr Bailey said British forces should be able to “integrate seamlessly with partners during operations”, and called for “more co-funding with our allies”, across both Europe and other partnerships such as Aukus with the US and Australia.

“This is particularly true for the army, whose role for European security is vital,” he said.

Mr Bailey, who accused the previous government of having “gambled on defence cuts and damaged our European relationships”, said the UK now needs to conduct a “frank diagnosis of the damage done”.