The UK's Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has told her European Union counterparts that Britain is seeking deeper cooperation in defense funding. Such actions have become necessary due to the rhetoric of US President Donald Trump, writes UNN with reference to Bloomberg.
Details
Reeves used a meeting of EU finance ministers in Poland to state that "the world has changed." This means that the EU must work more closely with the UK on defense spending, the Treasury said in a statement.
The UK is seeking access to the EU's new defense fund, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer said this week that British defense companies will be involved in the bloc's arms plan once a defense and security pact between the UK and the EU is agreed.
Both sides are optimistic that such a pact can be signed at a UK-EU bilateral summit in London in May. In fact, a Labour government led by Starmer is trying to restore ties with Europe after Britain voted to leave the EU nine years ago.
Great Britain and Norway will allocate $580 million to Ukraine for drones and weapons11.04.25, 03:24
Negotiations on a defense and security agreement were suspended due to disagreements over fishing rights, but Trump's tariffs imposed on European allies have brought a potential agreement back to the negotiating table.
Reeves is convinced that cooperation between the UK and Europe in defense funding can provide greater security in an unstable world.
Separately, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said on Friday that a new $519 million military aid package would be delivered to Ukraine. It includes hundreds of thousands of drones.
Addition
The UK may deploy troops to Ukraine for up to five years. This is one of the options being discussed by Western allies.
Britain plans to deploy troops in Ukraine for 5 years - The Telegraph11.04.25, 05:26