‘We should not be at the mercy of events abroad’ – Starmer
‘We should not be at the mercy of events abroad’ – Starmer
Prime Minister’s Resilience Call
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged the UK to strengthen its ability to withstand a “volatile and dangerous” global landscape, where conflicts and crises frequently disrupt stability. In an op-ed for The Guardian, he emphasized the need to “reinvent this nation” so that citizens are no longer swayed by developments overseas.
Gulf Visit Context
During a three-day diplomatic tour to the Gulf, Starmer met with key regional allies, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. His itinerary also included stops in the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, as tensions over the Iranian conflict escalate. The current ceasefire, which has been under pressure due to disputes over Lebanon’s involvement, underscores the urgency of his message.
Energy Independence Focus
Starmer criticized how fluctuating energy prices affect households and businesses, linking the issue to geopolitical actors like Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. In a recent interview with ITV’s Talking Politics, he stated, “I’m tired of families nationwide experiencing shifting costs due to decisions made abroad.”
Strategic Priorities
Highlighting the UK’s exposure to global shocks, Starmer cited a series of crises over nearly two decades: the 2008 financial crash, Brexit, and the pandemic. He argued that previous responses were reactive, relying on temporary fixes to maintain the status quo. “This time, it will be different,” he insisted, framing the Iran conflict as a defining moment that demands long-term resilience.
Political Reactions
“Keir Starmer says he wants resilience and energy security. So why is he banning North Sea drilling and avoiding welfare reform?”
Conservative Chairman Kevin Hollinrake questioned Starmer’s commitment, pointing to policies he believes undermine energy independence.
“The prime minister is right that we must increase our resilience, but he cannot achieve it without naming the greatest strategic challenge we face.”
Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Calum Miller MP added that the UK should prioritize rebuilding European alliances, given the shifting trust in Trump-led America.
“If we don’t want to be at the mercy of global crises, the answer is obvious: Use our own energy, control our borders, and put the British people first.”
A Reform UK spokesperson echoed Starmer’s concerns, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski noted, “Starmer is finally recognizing a reality Greens have highlighted for years—reliance on the US for security is no longer viable.”
