Sir Keir Starmer backs Canada’s sovereignty in veiled rebuke to Trump, launches landmark UK-Canada strategic pact.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a pointed affirmation of Canada’s independence during a high-profile visit to Ottawa, implicitly countering recent remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that Canada could become America’s “51st state”.
Speaking to journalists aboard his flight en route to the G7 summit, Starmer said, “Let me be absolutely clear: Canada is an independent, sovereign country and a much-valued member of the Commonwealth.”
His comments, while not naming Trump directly, were seen as a strong rebuke to the former president’s provocative statement made earlier this month, in which he floated the idea of closer “political integration” between the US and Canada. The British prime minister’s remarks drew a clear line, reaffirming Canada’s place on the global stage as a sovereign ally with deep historical and diplomatic ties to the UK.
Starmer’s stopover in Ottawa, where he met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, set the tone for a reinvigorated UK-Canada relationship, emphasising common values, shared defence interests, and joint economic ambitions. The two leaders issued a sweeping joint statement unveiling a new “UK-Canada Growth and Security Partnership” aimed at strengthening economic resilience and confronting shared geopolitical challenges.
Economic alliance for a new era
At the heart of the bilateral pact is a bold commitment to deepen trade, technology, and innovation cooperation. The two governments announced the creation of a UK-Canada Economic and Trade Working Group that will address trade barriers, expand digital trade, and collaborate on critical technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Carney and Starmer pledged to bolster collaboration on semiconductors and photonics through new industrial R&D projects. A particularly ambitious quantum initiative was also unveiled, aiming to establish secure transatlantic communications infrastructure linking national systems.
Artificial intelligence featured prominently in the joint agenda, with new memoranda of understanding signed with Canadian tech firm Cohere. The firm will expand operations in the UK while also developing data centres in Canada—part of both countries’ broader commitment to AI safety and frontier research.
A joint biomanufacturing investment worth $14.8 million was also announced, intended to build pandemic preparedness and scale biotech ventures in both nations. Meanwhile, deeper cooperation in civil nuclear energy, including a world-class fusion energy collaboration, is expected to reduce dependence on Russia-dominated fuel supply chains.
A strategic mapping exercise for critical minerals will pinpoint projects for co-investment and infrastructure development—an effort both leaders described as essential to building secure, sustainable supply chains in the age of green and digital transitions.
Strengthening shared security
Defence cooperation was another key pillar of the summit, with the UK and Canada reaffirming their joint support for Ukraine. The two leaders committed to supporting the Ukrainian air force through joint technology development and defence production. Both countries are also increasing coordination in intelligence sharing and national security.
In a notable defence announcement, both governments signalled progress towards a permanent agreement on the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) in Alberta, under the “BATUS Future Project”. The facility is expected to serve as a hub for advanced military training, tech development and interoperability between UK and Canadian forces.
The intelligence collaboration between the two Five Eyes allies will deepen further through new officer exchange programmes and joint campaigns against terrorism and violent extremism. A novel Joint Canada-UK Common Good Cyber Fund was also launched, with a seed investment of $5.7 million. This fund will support civil society groups combatting digital repression and foreign interference, particularly in emerging democracies.
Other security pledges include coordinated efforts to counter sabotage, cyber threats, economic coercion, and human trafficking. Plans are also under way to co-develop cryptographic solutions and enhance border security through greater intelligence-sharing on organised crime and illegal migration.
Global stage, shared voice
The joint statement marked a clear reaffirmation of the UK and Canada’s role as liberal democratic allies committed to the international rules-based order. The leaders underscored their unwavering support for Ukraine, concern over Middle East instability, and the need to counter rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
“Today, we’ve shown that our two countries—bound by history and common purpose—can lead by example,” Starmer said in Ottawa. “Whether in standing up for democratic values, driving sustainable economic growth, or ensuring the safety of our citizens, Britain and Canada will act together.”
Carney echoed the sentiment, stating, “Our partnership with the UK has never been more vital. We face growing threats to sovereignty, democratic institutions and peace. This is not a time for hesitation.”