Media: Trump speeds Britain’s return to EU

US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have set out sharply contrasting messages to the UK, as economic pressures, security concerns and shifting domestic politics appear to be nudging Britain closer to the EU, The Irish Times reports.

In speeches delivered last week, Trump’s remarks drew criticism for tone and substance, while Starmer’s address signalled a more explicit openness to strengthening ties with Europe.

Starmer described the need to deepen cooperation with the EU “for the dangerous world that we must navigate together”.

Trump’s intervention was likened in the analysis to Macbeth’s line: “A tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury/Signifying nothing.”

Starmer’s speech, by contrast, was described as more measured but potentially consequential, marking his most pro-European stance since taking office. The prime minister suggested a pragmatic shift towards closer alignment with Brussels, though without committing to formal steps such as rejoining the single market or customs union.

Public opinion in Britain appears to be moving in a similar direction. “A YouGov poll last week showed that just 14 per cent of British people still believed Britain and the US had a ‘special relationship’ and only 18 per cent wanted to be closer to the US. By contrast, 57 per cent wanted to get closer to the EU.”

The analysis argues that economic considerations are also weighing heavily. Starmer has acknowledged that “Brexit did deep damage to our economy”. Citing estimates from the US-based National Bureau of Economic Research, it notes that leaving the EU may have cost the UK up to 8 per cent of gross domestic product, although this figure remains disputed by Brexit supporters.

Despite growing political momentum, Starmer has so far avoided committing to rejoining EU institutions. Senior figures within his government reportedly believe that partial measures would deliver limited economic benefit, while more substantial gains would require deeper integration.

Security dynamics are also cited as a factor. Ongoing tensions involving Russia and concerns over long-term US commitments to European defence are prompting greater emphasis on European cooperation. The analysis suggests that, in the event of a reduced American presence, European nations would need to rely more heavily on one another for deterrence and defence capacity.

Domestic political calculations are equally influential. Labour’s positioning is complicated by electoral competition from Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage, who remains closely associated with Brexit and pro-Trump sentiment. The analysis suggests Labour could seek to leverage this association as public attitudes continue to evolve.

By Aghakazim Guliyev