Sir Keir Starmer has announced a £1.6billion finance deal which will allow Ukraine to buy more than 5,000 missiles, following a summit of European leaders in London.
During a national press conference, the Prime Minister said the missiles “will be made in Belfast, creating jobs in our brilliant defence sector”.
He added: “This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure now and strengthen Ukraine in securing the peace when it comes because we have to learn from the mistakes of the past.”
The Prime Minister made the announcement during an address to the nation just after 5pm today.
Keir Starmer announces major £1.6bn missile deal with Ukraine in address to the nation
Setting out what was agreed at Sunday’s summit on Ukraine, the Prime Minister said “any deal must be backed by strength”.
“Every nation must contribute to that in the best way that it can, bringing different capabilities and support to the table, but all taking responsibility to act, all stepping up their own share of the burden.
“So we agreed some important steps today. First, we will keep the military aid flowing and keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia to strengthen Ukraine now.
“Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, and Ukraine must be at the table.
“Third, in the event of a peace deal, we will keep boosting Ukraine’s own defensive capabilities to deter any future invasion.
“Fourth, we will go further to develop a coalition of the willing to defend a deal in Ukraine and to guarantee the peace.
“Not every nation will feel able to contribute but that can’t mean that we sit back. Instead, those willing will intensify planning now with real urgency, the UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others. Europe must do the heavy lifting.”
Keir Starmer to urgently address nation after major summit of world leaders
Starmer continued by saying the West is “at a crossroads in history today” and warned it is “not a moment for more talk, it is time to act”.
He said: “To support peace in our continent, and to succeed, this effort must have strong US backing.
“We’re working with the US on this point after my meeting with President Trump last week, and let me be clear, we agree with the President on the urgent need for a durable peace, now we need to deliver together.
“Finally, we agreed that leaders will meet again very soon, to keep the pace behind these actions and to keep working towards this shared plan.
“We are at a crossroads in history today. This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act. Time to step up and lead and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace.”
Keir Starmer speaking at the defence summit
Keir Starmer embraces Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron
The PM’s words follow a three-hour meeting that brought Starmer together with the prime ministers and presidents of 14 nations, together with Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the European Commission President, European Council President and Nato Secretary General.
Just ahead of the press conference, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said she will present a plan to “rearm” Europe in the coming days.
Speaking to broadcasters outside Lancaster House following the conclusion of Sunday’s summit, von der Leyen said “comprehensive security guarantees” are needed.
She said “we have to put Ukraine in a position of strength” so that “it has the means to fortify and protect itself” in economic and military terms.
“Therefore the focus is not only on the military supply but also for example securing their energy system and for that I will present a comprehensive plan to rearm Europe on March 6”.
Volodymyr Zelensky at the defence summit
The summit comes after a disastrous meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Friday, which saw the two leaders come to a war of words in front of the world’s press.
Following the meeting, which devolved into a shouting match at points, Trump ejected Zelensky from the White House and cancelled a planned press conference, telling Zelensky to “come back when he’s ready for peace”.
Starmer said it has been agreed that “a group” will work “with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting and then discuss that with the US and take it forward together”.
Ukraine’s allies need to also continue their support in the moment, Starmer said, adding: “Even while Russia talks about peace, they are continuing their relentless aggression.
“That is the agenda and we need to agree what steps come out of this meeting to deliver peace through strength for the benefit of all.”
