‘We should not be at the mercy of events abroad’ – Starmer

We should not be at the mercy of events abroad

Prime Minister’s Resilience Plan

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the need for the UK to enhance its resilience in a world marked by unpredictability and instability. In an opinion piece for The Guardian, he stressed the importance of reimagining the nation’s approach to global challenges, ensuring that citizens are no longer subject to the ebb and flow of international developments. His recent three-day visit to the Gulf region underscores this focus, as he meets with regional allies to address pressing concerns.

During his trip, Starmer engaged with leaders in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. The timing of his visit coincides with growing tensions over the Iranian conflict, where a fragile ceasefire has faced pressure due to disputes regarding Lebanon’s inclusion. On Thursday, he joined a call with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss stabilizing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route affected by the ongoing strife. Downing Street highlighted the conversation’s aim to restore normalcy to energy flows, which have directly influenced UK living costs.

Energy Independence and Crises

“I’m tired of families seeing their energy costs fluctuate due to decisions made by Putin or Trump,”

Starmer stated during an ITV interview. He framed the current geopolitical climate as a call to action, urging the UK to break free from external dependencies. In his Guardian article, he noted that Britain has endured crises for nearly two decades, including the 2008 financial crash, Brexit, and the pandemic. “The usual approach has been to manage the crisis, apply temporary fixes, and then strive to return to the old ways,”

he observed, asserting that “this time, it will be different.”

Starmer argued that policies like renewable energy investment, worker protections, and reforms to the benefits system are essential for future stability. “Resilience is what gives us control,”

he claimed. “Without it, we’re constantly thrown off course by forces beyond our reach.”

Political Reactions

Conservative Chairman Kevin Hollinrake criticized Starmer’s stance, pointing out contradictions in his rhetoric. “Keir Starmer wants resilience and energy security,”

he said. “But why is he halting North Sea drilling and avoiding welfare reforms? You can’t build a strong economy by neglecting domestic energy production and leaving millions on benefits.”

Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Calum Miller MP echoed Starmer’s concerns, noting the reliance on the U.S. for security. “The government must act to restore trust in European alliances,”

he added, highlighting the shift from U.S. leadership to a more balanced approach.

Reform UK’s spokesperson urged self-reliance, stating, “

If we don’t want to be at the mercy of global crises, the answer is clear: Use our own energy, control our borders, and prioritize the British people,”

they said.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski acknowledged Starmer’s recognition of long-standing warnings. “Starmer is finally aligning with the Greens’ vision,”

he remarked. “We can’t depend on the U.S. for security, and European partnerships are vital. However, his statements lack concrete plans, leaving energy prices high and inequality worsening.”

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, in a Mansion House speech, reinforced the idea that global volatility has become a constant. “The Iran conflict is just the latest in a series of shocks,”

she said. “From the pandemic to the Ukraine invasion, instability has repeatedly disrupted the UK’s economy. This new era won’t end with the reopening of the strait—it’s here to stay.”