Sir Keir Starmer is set to urgently address the nation following a major conference of world leaders in London.
The three-hour meeting at Lancaster House 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.
The address to the nation will be broadcast live from London around 5pm.
Ahead of the defence summit, the British PM urged leaders to step up at a “once in a generation moment” for security in Europe.
He added that getting a good outcome for Ukraine was “vital to the security of every nation here and many others too”.
Keir Starmer to urgently address nation after major summit of world leaders
PA
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”.
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Keir Starmer speaking at the defence summit
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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.”
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Volodymyr Zelensky at the defence summit
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