The UK will deploy a carrier strike group, led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales to the Arctic and the High North as part of efforts to bolster security against Russian threats.
British prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer announced the deployment in a speech on Saturday (14 February) at the Munich Security Conference.
Europe must be ready to fight to protect its people, values, and way of life, Sir Keir told the Conference. Starmer also called for deeper links and cooperation, including economic ties, between the UK and EU.
The British prime minister stressed the continent must "stand on its own two feet" when it comes to defence commitments.
"We must build our hard power, because that is the currency of the age," he told the conference.
Delivering her speech prior to the British premier, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Starmer as an "unflinching ally and friend," and said both the EU and UK faced the threat of "outside forces trying to weaken our union from within".
She said Europe had undergone "shock therapy" from the US and must take more responsibility for its defence.
"Europe needs to step up and has to take on its responsibility," she added.
Von der Leyen also called for more pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, posting on X: "Now is the time to raise the costs of Russia's war higher than ever."
Downing Street said the pair met in Munich on Saturday and "agreed that Europe needs to step up and work towards becoming a more European Nato".
source: commonspace.eu with BBC (London) and agencies
photo: HMS Prince if Wales leaving Portsmouth (archive picture)
