Starmer urges closer UK-Europe ties
The gist
Former UK prime minister Keir Starmer told a Dublin dinner the UK must be at the heart of a stronger Europe.
His call follows successor Andy Burnham's push for closer EU ties, with a summit due next month.
How it unfolded
- Oct 27, 2026PM Andy Burnham, just past his 100th day in office, called for closer UK-EU relations, including the possibility of rejoining the 27-member bloc, telling the Sunday Times he is positive about closer ties with Europe.
- Oct 30, 2026Keir Starmer, in his first major political intervention since leaving No 10, told a British Irish Chamber of Commerce dinner at Dublin City Hall that the UK must be at the heart of a stronger Europe.
- Oct 31, 2026Reports of Starmer's remarks were published, warning that the shift in US relations under Trump is unlikely to reverse.