Politics LIVE: Keir Starmer risks clash with Trump as PM moves to BLOCK major US weapons takeover

Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, has taken action to prevent British defence companies from being taken over by American firms. He is now working on his promise to strengthen the country’s military readiness. 

At a defence event in Westminster, Starmer made it clear that he wants to keep Britain’s defence industry under UK ownership. He praised British aerospace companies and stressed how important it is that these businesses remain in the UK. 

This comes after reports that Bain Capital, a large American investment firm, has made a £1.1 billion offer to buy Chemring, a company that produces countermeasures used by the RAF and US Air Force to protect jets from missiles. There is growing concern that more UK defence firms are being taken over by American investors, especially as Britain appears to be shifting its focus more towards Europe. Experts have warned that the UK should avoid allowing too many of its military technology companies to be controlled by foreign buyers. 

At the event, Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey encouraged British defence technology firms to keep their production lines in the UK. They want to ensure that Britain remains a leader in innovation and technology. 

Starmer said that Britain is excellent at creating and developing new technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence. He believes the country is ahead in this field and wants to keep it that way. When asked if Chemring should stay a British company, he firmly responded that it should, adding that the UK is proud of its defence industry and what it has achieved. 

John Healey also spoke about the government’s recent increase in defence spending, explaining that it was necessary to support British industry, create more jobs, and keep the country’s businesses competitive. 

Meanwhile, in Parliament, Keir Starmer made it clear that he has strong feelings about Donald Trump. His comments came after Trump had a tense argument with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. 

Starmer told MPs that the UK must strengthen its relationship with the US, as America is essential to Britain’s security, trade, technology, and overall economy. He emphasized that Britain will not choose between the US and Europe, as both are important partners. 

He also mentioned the heated exchange between Trump and Zelensky, calling it a situation that no one in the UK government wants to see happen again. 

This ongoing discussion highlights the UK’s efforts to maintain control over its defence industry while balancing its international relationships.