‘We should not be at the mercy of events abroad’ – Starmer
‘We should not be at the mercy of events abroad’ – Starmer
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged the UK to build greater resilience against a world marked by frequent upheaval, warning that the nation must prepare for a future where external shocks—such as the Iranian conflict—continue to disrupt stability. In a recent piece for *The Guardian*, he emphasized the need to “reform this country” so that citizens are no longer swayed by global developments. “People shouldn’t be left to navigate their lives based on what happens elsewhere,” he wrote.
During a conversation with ITV’s *Talking Politics* podcast, Starmer expressed frustration over the unpredictable nature of international affairs. “Families see their energy costs fluctuate because of Putin or Trump’s decisions,” he said. This sentiment aligns with his current mission to strengthen domestic stability amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf. His three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar follows a fragile ceasefire in the Iranian conflict, which has faced challenges over its coverage of Lebanon.
Strait of Hormuz and Economic Fallout
Starmer’s trip coincides with the Strait of Hormuz—a vital shipping route—remaining closed due to the Iranian crisis. Downing Street noted that he engaged in a phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss restoring maritime flow. The closure has directly affected UK consumers, driving up petrol and food prices. In his address, Starmer highlighted the urgency of energy independence, stressing that “events of the past two months have shown why the UK needs to control its own energy supply.”
He referenced a series of global disruptions, including the 2008 financial crash, Brexit, and the pandemic, to underscore the need for long-term policy shifts. “Britain has been tossed by crises for almost two decades,” he stated. “Westminster’s response has always been to manage the immediate problem, then try to return to the old order.” Starmer vowed that this time, the nation would adopt a more forward-thinking approach, framing the Iranian conflict as a “line in the sand” for future resilience.
Political Reactions to Starmer’s Stance
Conservative Chairman Kevin Hollinrake challenged Starmer’s focus on resilience, pointing to policies like banning North Sea drilling and delaying welfare reforms. “How can you claim energy security when you’re cutting ties with domestic oil and gas workers?” he questioned. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Calum Miller argued that Starmer’s goal requires addressing Europe as a key ally. “We can’t trust a Trump-led America anymore,” he said, urging the government to prioritize transatlantic partnerships.
“The answer to being vulnerable to global crises is to use our own energy, control our borders, and place the British people first,” said a Reform UK spokesperson. Green Party leader Zack Polanski echoed this, acknowledging Starmer’s growing awareness of long-standing concerns. “Greens have been highlighting the need to reduce US reliance for years,” he added. “Yet the government continues to make only superficial changes, leaving energy bills high and inequality rising.”
Starmer’s vision includes policies such as investing in renewable energy, enhancing workers’ rights, and reforming benefit caps. These measures, he argued, are essential to navigating an era of persistent global instability. “Resilience gives us control,” he stated. “Without it, we’re constantly pushed off course by forces beyond our borders.” His message resonates with a broader call for economic and strategic self-reliance, as the UK grapples with the consequences of a world in flux.