‘We should not be at the mercy of events abroad’ – Starmer
Starmer Calls for National Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged the UK to cultivate greater stability in a world marked by frequent disruptions, such as the Iran conflict. In an article for The Guardian, he emphasized the need for long-term planning to reshape the nation, ensuring citizens are not dictated by international developments. His remarks come amid a critical three-day visit to the Gulf, where he has engaged with regional allies, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah and leaders of the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar.
The current trip follows growing tensions over a fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict, with debates centering on whether the truce extends to Lebanon. On Thursday, Starmer participated in a phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, focusing on the urgency of restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route now partially blocked by the conflict. The closure has already driven up energy costs, affecting petrol and food prices in the UK. Starmer highlighted the need for “energy independence,” criticizing the volatility of global events that sway domestic costs.
Resilience as a Priority
Starmer argued that the UK has weathered crises for nearly two decades, from the 2008 financial crash to Brexit and the pandemic. He stated that past responses were reactive, applying temporary fixes while struggling to maintain stability. “This time, it will be different,” he asserted, framing the Iran conflict as a turning point. He proposed policies like renewable energy investments and strengthening workers’ rights as steps toward building resilience, stressing that control over one’s own circumstances is essential in a world of increasing instability.
“Because resilience is what gives us control. Without it, we are constantly pushed off course by events beyond our borders.”
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed these views in a Mansion House speech, noting that the Iran crisis is part of a broader pattern. “The new reality we face did not begin with the war in Iran, nor will it end with a reopened strait,” she said, pointing to past shocks like the pandemic and Ukraine invasion as evidence of a shifting global landscape.
Political Reactions to Starmer’s Stance
Conservative Chairman Kevin Hollinrake challenged Starmer’s focus on resilience, questioning his policies. “Why is he banning North Sea drilling and avoiding welfare reform?” he asked, arguing that reliance on foreign energy sources and delayed welfare changes hinder economic strength.
Calum Miller MP of the Liberal Democrats praised the need for resilience but criticized Starmer for not naming the “greatest strategic challenge.” He emphasized the importance of European alliances over U.S. leadership, noting the diminishing trust in a Trump-led America.
A Reform UK spokesperson echoed Starmer’s call, advocating for self-reliance through energy production, border control, and prioritizing British interests. Meanwhile, Green Party leader Zack Polanski acknowledged Starmer’s shift in perspective, aligning with Greens’ long-standing concerns about US dependency. “Starmer’s words are not a plan,” he added, citing rising energy bills and widening wealth gaps as ongoing challenges.
