GBR
Stories (5)
Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer signaled that the UK should pursue closer ties with the European Union to bolster economy and security amid the Iran war. He said a forthcoming UK-EU summit this summer should be more ambitious than last year’s deal, aiming to deepen cooperation on trade, defence, energy, and security, while acknowledging Brexit has constrained growth. Starmer reiterated Labour’s stance against rejoining the single market, customs union, or freedom of movement, but he expects str
2026-05-24Keir Starmer's Shift Toward Closer EU Ties
Keir Starmer signals a shift toward a closer UK-EU relationship, framing it as economically beneficial and increasingly necessary amid global instability. The key points: - Starmer advocates closer ties with the EU, aligning with his 2024 platform, while stopping short of endorsing full rejoin commitments. - UK-EU talks are progressing on standards in food/drink, carbon emissions, and electricity, with a concept of “dynamic” alignment—updating post-Brexit rules as EU rules e
2026-05-24UK's £3.7bn Trade Deal with Gulf States
- The UK announced a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, worth about £3.7 billion to the economy. - The agreement aims to remove roughly £580 million per year in tariffs on UK exports to the GCC once fully implemented, boosting British trade, jobs, and business confidence. - British products such as cheddar cheese, butter, and chocolate will have tariffs removed; the deal is the
2026-05-24The race to replace Starmer is on
Keir Starmer faces strategic choices as Labour sees a potential leadership contest emerge. Key developments include Andy Burnham and David Streeting signaling leadership ambitions, with Burnham reportedly securing an MP to trigger a possible run. The piece notes the timing and politics of replacing Starmer, while stressing that, regardless of leadership chaos, government and policy proceed. On the international front, the UK is engaging in efforts to reopen the Strait of Horm
2026-05-24UK to Boost National Security Spending to 5%
The UK intends to meet a new NATO target to spend 5% of GDP on national security by 2035, with 3.5% for core defence and 1.5% on resilience (border security, cyber, etc.). Prime Minister Keir Starmer frames this as securing economic and national security together, arguing investment will create jobs and growth. The plan includes using energy policy and anti-smuggling measures as security spending, though critics say there is no new money yet and question feasibility. The comm
2026-05-24