01.04.2026 19:00
UK Prime Minister Starmer, speaking about President Trump's threat to withdraw from NATO, issued a challenge. Starmer stated, "This is not our war. I will not change my position on the war. No matter how much pressure I am under, no matter how much noise there is, I am the Prime Minister of the UK and I must act in accordance with our national interests."
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer evaluated the statements of US President Donald Trump regarding seriously considering leaving NATO, saying, "We need to be closer to Europe for our defense, security, and economic future."
STARMER: THIS IS NOT OUR WAR
During a press conference held at 10 Downing Street, Starmer assessed the effects of the process that began with the attacks of the US and Israel on Iran and continued with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Reiterating his previous statement, "This is not our war, we will not be dragged into this conflict, it is not in our national interest," Starmer emphasized that the most effective way to reduce the rising cost of living in the country is to lower tensions in the Middle East and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Starmer underscored that they would explore all diplomatic avenues on this matter, stating that the Foreign Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer have discussed the issue with their counterparts at the G7, and the Defense Secretary has addressed the matter during a visit to the Middle East.
"WE MUST ESTABLISH CLOSER RELATIONS WITH EUROPE FOR OUR INTERESTS"
Starmer recalled the joint statement made by 35 countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, saying, "This week, the Foreign Secretary (Yvette Cooper) will host her counterparts from these countries in a meeting to evaluate diplomatic and political steps that can be taken regarding the restoration of freedom of navigation, the safety of detained ships and crews, and the resumption of vital goods that have been halted."
After this meeting, Starmer mentioned that military officials would address the issue of ensuring the accessibility and security of the Strait of Hormuz following the cessation of hostilities, highlighting the importance of military, diplomatic, and commercial stakeholders acting together for the security of transitions.
Starmer referred to the impact of the tensions on the economy and the cost of living in the UK, reminding of the support and aid packages he previously announced.
Stating that they will continue to assess the economic impacts, Starmer said, "We will do everything we can to safely navigate our country through this storm. No matter what happens, we have clearly seen while the world walks this fragile path that our long-term national interests require us to establish closer relations with our allies in Europe and the European Union (EU)."
In this context, Starmer noted that significant progress has been made in discussions with the EU, expressing that the UK's departure from the EU has caused great harm to the country.
"I AM UNDER GREAT PRESSURE REGARDING PARTICIPATION IN WAR"
Responding to journalists' questions, Starmer addressed US President Trump's statement that "the possibility of leaving NATO is beyond reconsideration" and his criticisms towards the UK.
Stating that NATO has been a structure that has kept allies safe for years, Starmer said, "Regardless of the pressure I or others may feel or the voices that arise, I will act in accordance with the interests of the UK. Therefore, I clearly state that this is not our war and we will not be dragged into it. Likewise, we need to be closer to Europe for our defense, security, and economic future."
When asked about Trump's statement that "the US will no longer help countries like the UK that do not support them in attacks on Iran," Starmer said:
"I WILL NOT CHANGE MY POSITION"
"I am under great pressure to change my position regarding participation in war. But I will not change my position on the issue of war. No matter how much pressure there is on me, no matter how much noise there is, I am the Prime Minister of the UK and I must act in accordance with our national interests."
Starmer pointed out that close relations with the US regarding defense, security, and intelligence continue, stating, "Planning related to the Strait of Hormuz also includes discussions with the Americans."