Sir Keir Starmer’s “Brexit reset” deal with the EU could risk being undercut by France following reports that Paris could block Britain from getting in on a European defence programme.
France is said to be shutting out competitive British firms from accessing the European Defence Industry Programme (Edip) – effectively barring the UK from a multi-billion-pound market.
French diplomats have insisted the programme should only include EU, Norwegian and Ukrainian firms, while President Emmanual Macron has long pushed for EU-only defence spending.
“Not even a month ago, we solemnly declared the turning of pages and opening of new chapters in our relationship with the UK,” an EU diplomat told The Telegraph.
“Yet, at the first occasion to turn those words into action, we have slammed the book shut.”
In the past, Starmer has pushed for Britain to be treated like an EU member on defence – but a Brussels diplomat said back in March: “While Macron is playing nice with Starmer in front of the cameras, he’s actively working to shut the UK out of the EU’s defence spending plans.”
Back then, a Government spokesman said: “We live in challenging times – global geopolitical instability and war in Europe means enhancing our defence capability is important.
“This includes closer cooperation with the EU, with Nato remaining the cornerstone of our security.”
FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY…
Labour minister fails to clarify whether Britain was told of Israeli missile strikes
Industry Minister Sarah Jones has failed to clarify whether Britain was told in advance of Israel’s strikes against Iran last night.
Reports indicate the UK was not told, unlike Germany and the US.
Jones, pressed on the issue by ITV, said: “This is a very concerning and dangerous situation of course, and this Government supports de-escalation and that’s what we’ll be trying to achieve.
“Of course I can’t talk on air about what we did or didn’t know but we will be using all the powers that we have with our allies to urge all sides to show restraint.”
Britain MUST be ready to defend itself, Kemi Badenoch says
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
“Our immediate focus must be on stabilisation – working with allies to prevent further escalation.
“But let’s be clear-eyed about the reality. The world is becoming more dangerous, and Britain must be ready to defend itself.”
WATCH IN FULL: Shadow Paymaster General Richard Holden speaks to GB News Breakfast
Priti Patel: ‘The world is an increasingly dangerous place’
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel says: “We are watching closely developments in the Middle East and urge all sides to work towards a de-escalation of tensions.
“The world is an increasingly dangerous place with significant threats to our national interests, security and defence.
“We must use our influence and diplomacy to work closely with all of our allies in the region and beyond to resolve conflicts, and deliver peace and stability in the Middle East.”
David Lammy’s US trip CANCELLED after Middle East chaos
David Lammy has cancelled a planned trip to the US on Friday for talks with his counterpart Marco Rubio over Russia following tonight’s chaos in the Middle East.
Britain will NOT protect Israel from Iranian drone barrage – reports
Britain will not be moving to protect Israel from a barrage of Iranian drones following last night’s strikes, The Times reports.
UK defence sources have told the newspaper there are no plans to help defend the Jewish state as Iran hits back following last night’s strikes.
But at the same time, staunch British ally Jordan has been intercepting Tehran’s missiles and drones which entered its own airspace on Friday morning.
This is a developing story – and we’ll bring you all the key UK developments on this live blog as we get them…
Liz Truss thanks Israel for devastating overnight attacks on Iran
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has thanked Israel for its devastating series of overnight strikes against Iran.
The strikes, which have taken out IRGC chief Hossein Salami and neutralised a string of Iranian nuclear targets, have seen Keir Starmer call for calm and the US distance itself from its close ally Israel.
But Truss, responding to a late-night address by Benjamin Netanyahu, issued a three-word message of support to the Jewish state: “Thank you Israel.”
Richard Tice turns up heat on Conservative-Reform ‘Doge’ war – ‘Cover-up scandal!’
Richard Tice has turned up the heat on an escalating feud between Reform UK and the Conservatives over the former’s “Doge” efficiency unit.
Yesterday, the Tories wrote to the information watchdog demanding an investigation into the Reform waste-cutting drive – sparking accusations that they were covering up the “corruption and waste of their now-deposed local government regimes”.
Now, Tice has rammed home the “cover-up” accusations.
He said: “Tory cover-up scandal… We won huge landslides to Doge these former Tory councils, to identify massive wasteful spending and incompetence.
“Looks like Tories trying to hide up the evidence and bury any transparency. Not a great look.”
Keir Starmer and David Lammy issue statements as chaos breaks out in the Middle East
Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have both spoken out following the overnight chaos
PA
The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have both issued statements following a night of chaos in the Middle East.
Israeli strikes have killed the head of the Iranian military – while hundreds of drones are heading from Iran to Israel right now.
David Lammy said he was “concerned” to learn of Israeli strikes, writing this morning: “Stability in the Middle East is vital for global security.
“I’m concerned to see reports of strikes overnight. Further escalation is a serious threat to peace and stability in the region and in no one’s interest.
“This is a dangerous moment and I urge all parties to show restraint.”
While Sir Keir Starmer said: “The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region.
“Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy.”