Britain says talks to join EU defence fund have broken down

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets with European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen at 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain April 24, 2025. Alishia Abodunde/Pool via REUTERS

LONDON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Britain said on Friday that talks to join the European Union's defence fund SAFE have broken down, in a setback for a much-vaunted post-Brexit reset of relations aimed at strengthening Europe's defence.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed a "new era" in Britain's relationship with the EU in May, with a deal to reboot defence and trade ties that allowed London to negotiate joining the 150 billion euro ($173 billion) fund to rearm Europe.