Excerpt of some expected words from the Prime Minister at
the European Council dinner this evening.
On defence, let me set out a few specific areas where we can do
more together.
First, Ukraine has shown how tech is transforming the battlefield
– so it's vital that we focus more on research and
development.
The UK has unique skills here as the home of NATO's Defence
Innovation Accelerator.
And Horizon Europe shows our shared potential.
Second, we need to improve military mobility and logistics across
Europe, so that we can move troops and materiel more easily to
where they need to be.
Third, we need to deepen cooperation to protect ourselves from
state threats and sabotage, including on subsea infrastructure.
Fourth, we should explore greater cooperation on missions and
operations – like we're already doing with our operations in the
Red Sea and our work to train Ukrainian troops.
Fifth, we should deepen our industrial collaboration.
We will be more successful in building the European defence
sector and contributing more to our own defence, if we work
together.
Look at Airbus or Thales – their success in the UK boosts defence
across Europe.
Fragmentation would weaken us all.
Instead, let's maximise the industrial weight and clout that we
have together.
We are ready to work together in all these ways and more.
