top of page

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says we must build 'hard power' at European security conference

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Europe to strengthen its “hard power” and remain ready to defend itself, emphasizing deterrence and preparedness at the Munich Security Conference.

Muvija ME/Reuters

February 14, 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 14, 2026.

Stefan Rousseau/Reuters

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed the need to build "hard power" and be ready to fight if necessary, speaking on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference aimed at bolstering European defence and diplomatic ties.


"We are not at a crossroads today, the road ahead is straight, and it is clear we must build our hard power, because that is the currency of the age," he said, following European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's opening remarks.


"We must be able to deter aggression, and yes, if necessary, we must be ready to fight, to do whatever it takes to protect our people, our values and our way of life and, as Europe, we must stand on our own two feet."

-Muvija ME/Reuters

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed the need to build "hard power" and be ready to fight if necessary, speaking on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference aimed at bolstering European defence and diplomatic ties.


"We are not at a crossroads today, the road ahead is straight, and it is clear we must build our hard power, because that is the currency of the age," he said, following European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's opening remarks.


"We must be able to deter aggression, and yes, if necessary, we must be ready to fight, to do whatever it takes to protect our people, our values and our way of life and, as Europe, we must stand on our own two feet."

-Muvija ME/Reuters

TOP POLITICAL STORIES

Add a Title

Start Now

Add a Title

Start Now

Add a Title

Start Now
Australia Prime Minister Albanese says there is 'no justification' for Iran's 'indiscriminate' attacks

Australia Prime Minister Albanese says there is 'no justification' for Iran's 'indiscriminate' attacks

Start Now
Trump's national security team pushes war on Iran in Congress

Trump's national security team pushes war on Iran in Congress

Start Now
War in Middle East could delay US arms to Ukraine and other allies, Poland says

War in Middle East could delay US arms to Ukraine and other allies, Poland says

Start Now

LATEST NEWS

Add a Title

Start Now

Add a Title

Start Now

Add a Title

Start Now
At least four killed in Israeli strike on building in Lebanon's Baalbek

At least four killed in Israeli strike on building in Lebanon's Baalbek

Start Now
UK working with airlines to boost Oman evacuations

UK working with airlines to boost Oman evacuations

Start Now
Central Intelligence Agency's station in Saudi Arabia struck by suspected Iranian drone - reports

Central Intelligence Agency's station in Saudi Arabia struck by suspected Iranian drone - reports

Start Now
bottom of page