Squirming Labour Minister Scrambles to Deny EU’s £125BN Defence Snub in Brutal Sky News Clash!

Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard faced tough questioning on Sky News regarding the UK’s exclusion from the EU’s new £125 billion defence fund, known as the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) scheme. The fund, designed to boost European defence capabilities, will only be open to EU defence companies and those from third countries that have signed defence agreements with the bloc. This means the UK, along with US and Turkish defence firms, will be excluded unless the government signs a security pact with Brussels.

Sky News host Wilfred Frost challenged Pollard, asking if the exclusion was a “pretty big blow” to the UK. Pollard downplayed the impact, stating that the exclusion was expected and part of a broader conversation about European defence spending. He emphasized that the UK has increased its own defence spending and called on European partners to do the same, particularly through NATO. Pollard also noted that British defence companies have significant operations across the EU and would benefit indirectly from increased defence spending.

The EU’s move to prioritize its own defence industry comes amid growing concerns over Russian aggression and warnings from US President Donald Trump about Europe’s reliance on American security guarantees. The SAFE scheme requires at least 65% of the cost of defence products to be spent within the EU, Norway, or Ukraine, with the remainder available for third countries that have signed security pacts.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is working to assemble a coalition of nations to support a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Military leaders are set to meet in the UK to discuss plans for enforcing a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow. Starmer has emphasized the importance of international cooperation in securing Ukraine’s future, though specific commitments from participating nations remain unclear.

The diplomatic efforts follow a recent call between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Trump suggested that the US could take ownership of Ukrainian power plants to ensure their security. Zelensky expressed optimism about achieving a lasting peace this year, with American leadership playing a key role.

The UK’s exclusion from the EU defence fund highlights the ongoing challenges of post-Brexit relations, while the push for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine underscores the complexities of international diplomacy in the face of ongoing conflict. As the UK navigates these issues, the focus remains on strengthening defence capabilities and fostering international cooperation to address global security threats.