Sir Keir Starmer has suggested a coalition of European allies could step up and defend a potential deal for Ukraine to “guarantee the peace”.

The prime minister indicated some EU nations could be prepared to increase defence spending to protect any peace deal that is agreed between Ukraine and Russia.

But speaking at summit of EU leaders in central London, Sir Keir acknowledged that no such coalition had yet been formed and that “not every nation will feel able to contribute”.

Instead, he said “those willing” – though he did not state which countries this included – would “intensify planning now with real urgency”.

In a sign this could mean troops from member states being sent to Ukraine, he added: “The UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others. Europe must do the heavy lifting.”