Keir Starmer has expressed his desire for an 'ambitious' UK-EU security partnership, aimed at bolstering NATO, during a meeting with EU leaders in Brussels.

This marks the first time a UK leader has attended a European Council meeting since the UK left the EU five years ago.

Starmer emphasized the need for collaboration on military technology, infrastructure protection, and industrial ties, to strengthen Europe's security framework.

He also raised concerns over threats like state-sponsored sabotage, particularly following damage to subsea cables.

Starmer advocated for greater EU-UK defence industry cooperation, citing firms like Airbus and Thales, and urged leaders to avoid fragmentation of the European defence sector.

EU leaders, including European Council President António Costa, welcomed Starmer's proposal, highlighting the importance of reliable partnerships between the EU and UK. A summit between the EU and UK is expected on 19 May to discuss further cooperation.

However, some EU member states are seeking agreement on other issues, such as fishing rights and youth mobility, before deepening security ties.

Amid these discussions, Starmer reiterated that the UK does not need to choose between its relations with the EU and the US, stressing the importance of both partnerships.

The meeting occurred against the backdrop of rising tensions with the US over potential tariffs, with Starmer indicating that strong trading relations remain a priority for the UK.