London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged increased aid and military support to Ukraine and plans to visit British forces serving on the Russian border to highlight NATO’s commitment to European security.Â
Keir Starmer met with Baltic state leaders while attending the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) conference in Estonia.
When asked about additional support for Ukraine from the prime minister, he highlighted the rising need for more capability.
Sir Starmer said,
“There is an ever-increasing demand for more capability. That is understandable, and Ukraine needs all the capability that it can get, so I think all of us have put in more capability into Ukraine by way of equipment.”
The Labour’s PM stated significant funding has been raised, but more financial support will be required.
Following an energy partnership agreement with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Bergen, Keir Starmer continued his diplomatic visit to Estonia for talks with Mr Store and Estonian counterpart Kristen Michal.
The British PM also stressed the importance of making the economic case for continued domestic support for Ukraine.
Sir Keir Starmer said,
“Making the case on the significance of Ukraine, making the case, to double down, linking it back to each of our countries – what does it mean for us if Russia succeeds, is a really important question that we have to answer with our people to make it clear why it is that we are so supportive of Ukraine, why it is that we must stand with our allies on this, why it is we must make sure that Nato is put in the strongest position as well.”
He highlighted the economic and technological benefits of defence spending, adding,
“Defence spending doesn’t sit in a silo over here with no effect on the rest of the economy. It has a huge effect on cutting-edge technology and change, which can then be used in other areas. It binds countries together through joint defence projects.”
As reported by the Independent, Sir Keir will meet Taavi Madiberk on Tuesday, founder of Frankenburg Technologies, an Estonian tech start-up producing low-cost air defence missiles and ready to launch a new office in London.
The rapidly growing company, focused on missile manufacturing, already has close ties with the British defence industry, sourcing a significant subsystem locally, including from Worcestershire-based propulsion experts Roxel.
At the JEF summit, the Labour leader will join counterparts from the Nordics and Baltics to address ongoing aid for Ukraine, the continued danger from Russia, and broader European security concerns.
Sir Starmer will visit British troops in the region to counter Russian risks.
While, on Monday Keir Starmer said he was concerned about the threats posed by China, following revelations of a suspected Chinese spy’s close relations with Prince Andrew.
The unknown spy, now identified as Yang Tengbo, was described in the court’s last month ruling as “unusual degree of trust” with the Duke of York.
The Home Office Minister Suella Braverman expelled him from the UK in 2023.
The government is also facing pressure from ministers regarding the Chinese businessman’s ties with Prince Andrew, accusing the government of being too soft on China and neglecting national security.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warned that he could name the spy, on Wednesday if the courts fail to take action.
Previously, Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle said due to security or intelligence reasons she cannot reveal any details about the unknown spy, as it is a confidential issue with decisions already made by the courts.
Sky News reports that Mr Yang, previously known as H6, stated he asked his legal team to disclose his identity because of intense speculation and misinformation in the media.
He denied the allegations made by the Home Office and said he was the victim of a “political climate.”