Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared on Wednesday that the United Kingdom must pursue closer ties with the European Union as the war in Iran disrupts global energy markets and heightens international volatility.

Speaking in remarks released by the government, Starmer emphasized that "our long-term national interest requires closer partnership with our allies in Europe and with the European Union." He highlighted the economic damage from Brexit and argued that opportunities to bolster security and reduce living costs through EU cooperation are too significant to overlook. The prime minister expressed ambition for deeper engagement with the EU single market, stating, "I'm ambitious that we can do more in relation to the single market, because I think that's hugely in our economic interests."

The announcement comes as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran enters its second month, with Tehran effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz and driving up oil and gas prices. The OECD has warned that the UK faces the largest economic growth hit among major economies from the war. Starmer reiterated that the UK will not be drawn into the fighting, prioritizing de-escalation and British interests. He outlined diplomatic efforts, including uniting 35 nations behind a statement on Gulf maritime security and a foreign secretary-hosted meeting this week to plan for reopening the strait.

To mitigate domestic impacts, the government plans to cut energy bills by over £100 per household, extend the fuel duty cut until September, provide £53 million for heating oil users, and implement other cost-of-living measures like freezing prescription prices and increasing the national living wage.

Starmer plans to announce a new UK-EU summit in the coming weeks, expected this summer in Brussels. Unlike the May 2025 Lancaster House summit, which addressed fishing, trade, defense, and energy, this meeting aims to be more ambitious, expanding cooperation on defense, security, energy, emissions trading, and economic alignment where it serves UK interests. The push follows earlier overtures, including Starmer's January pledge for single market alignment if beneficial and his February Munich Security Conference call for a more "European" NATO through closer EU ties.

The remarks occur amid strained transatlantic relations, with US President Donald Trump criticizing Starmer personally, labeling UK aircraft carriers as "toys," and musing about NATO withdrawal. Starmer insisted the UK can strengthen ties with both the US and Europe without choosing sides.

Opposition parties responded with demands for further relief, such as removing VAT from energy bills and canceling planned fuel duty hikes. Conservatives accused Starmer of scapegoating Brexit, while Liberal Democrats advocated rejoining the customs union.