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

We should not be at the mercy of events abroad

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the need for the UK to build stronger defenses against a world marked by constant upheaval, warning that the nation must adapt to a landscape defined by unpredictable crises. In an article for The Guardian, he outlined plans to reshape the country, ensuring citizens are not left vulnerable to external forces. His remarks came during a three-day diplomatic visit to the Gulf, where he engaged with regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah and officials from the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar.

Impact of Global Instability

Starmer highlighted the recent volatility in energy markets, blaming geopolitical actors like Putin and Trump for driving up household and business costs. He criticized the UK’s dependence on foreign energy sources, stressing that the past two months had underscored the urgency of achieving energy independence. A fragile ceasefire in the Iranian conflict, which has seen tensions rise over Lebanon’s involvement, has further exposed the nation’s vulnerability to international disruptions.

“I’m fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down on energy, businesses’ bills go up and down on energy because of the actions of Putin or Trump.”

Resilience as a Priority

Starmer’s call for resilience extends beyond immediate crises. In his article, he noted that Britain has endured nearly two decades of economic and political turmoil, from the 2008 financial crash to Brexit and the pandemic. He argued that previous responses focused on short-term fixes rather than long-term stability, and pledged that this approach would change. “Resilience is what gives us control. Without it, we are constantly pushed off course by events beyond our borders,” he stated.

“This time, it will be different”

Political Reactions

Conservative Chairman Kevin Hollinrake challenged Starmer’s commitment to resilience, questioning his policies on energy. “Why is he banning North Sea drilling and avoiding welfare reform?” he asked, arguing that such decisions risk increasing reliance on foreign energy and stagnating economic growth. Liberal Democrat Calum Miller echoed Starmer’s concerns but noted the lack of clarity on Europe’s strategic role. “The government should prioritize rebuilding ties with European allies,” he said, emphasizing distrust in a Trump-led America.

“The prime minister is right that we must increase our resilience but he cannot achieve that if he won’t name the greatest strategic challenge we face.”

Reform UK’s spokesperson advocated for self-reliance, stating, “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.” The Green Party’s Zack Polanski praised Starmer’s acknowledgment of US reliance but criticized the absence of concrete action. “Energy bills are soaring, the gap between rich and poor grows, and this government tinkers at the edges,” he added, while calling for European security partnerships.

A New Reality

Starmer’s vision includes policies like renewable energy investment, worker protections, and reforming welfare systems. He framed the Iran conflict as a turning point, urging the nation to adopt a more stable foundation. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reinforced these ideas, noting that recent events—Covid, Ukraine’s invasion, and Iran’s tensions—have shown instability as the new norm. “The new reality we face did not begin with the war in Iran, nor will it end with a reopened strait,” she remarked.