UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday that Britain must work closely with international partners to address global conflicts that are already affecting households at home, as he arrived at the venue of the European Political Community summit in Yerevan.
Speaking briefly to reporters, Starmer pointed to what he described as “a war on two fronts” — Russia’s war against Ukraine, now in its fifth year, and escalating tensions involving Iran — warning that both are having a direct impact on energy costs and broader economic conditions in the United Kingdom.
“It’s vital that we work with international leaders on both fronts,” he said, adding that discussions in Yerevan would focus on increasing support for Ukraine and efforts to secure a lasting peace, as well as cooperation with European and other partners on developments related to Iran.
Starmer also addressed ongoing talks about potential UK participation in an EU-backed loan scheme for Ukraine, arguing it would benefit all sides involved. The initiative, he said, would provide Ukraine with “capability that it desperately needs,” while also supporting jobs in the UK and strengthening relations between London and Brussels.
“It’s very good for Ukraine, very good for the UK, and very good for UK-EU relations,” he said.
He did not respond to a follow-up question about concerns over the United States potentially scaling back its involvement.
The remarks came as around 50 leaders — including heads of state and government as well as representatives of international organizations — gathered in Yerevan on Monday for the 8th summit of the European Political Community.
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