Key facts
- Keir Starmer resigns as UK Prime Minister and Labour Party leader.
- Keir Starmer will remain caretaker premier until a successor is chosen.
- Nominations for Labour leadership open on July 9.
- Andy Burnham is running for Labour leadership.
- Wes Streeting endorsed Andy Burnham for leadership.
- The Kremlin stated Starmer's resignation will not alter Britain's stance toward Russia.
- Ursula von der Leyen praised Keir Starmer's support for Ukraine and European defense.
- EU officials are cautious about the UK rejoining the EU.
- The UK rejoining the EU process could take longer than five years.
- European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica is in Jerusalem for an undisclosed meeting.
- Dubravka Šuica is meeting with Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar.
- There is a diplomatic dispute between Gideon Sa'ar and Kaja Kallas.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned as the Labour Party leader, though he will continue as caretaker premier until a successor is selected. Nominations for the leadership race are set to open on July 9, with Andy Burnham emerging as a candidate. Wes Streeting has endorsed Burnham, positioning him as a potential successor to Starmer within weeks. The Kremlin has commented on the development, stating that Starmer's resignation will not change Russia's hostile stance toward Britain. Following Starmer's announcement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended his contributions to European defense and his steadfast support for Ukraine during his time as prime minister.
In parallel developments, European officials are expressing caution regarding the possibility of the UK rejoining the European Union. Despite growing progressive calls for reaccession, EU officials suggest that such a process could extend beyond a single five-year parliamentary term. Separately, European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica is currently in Jerusalem for an undisclosed meeting with Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar. This visit occurs amidst a diplomatic dispute involving Sa'ar and the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas.
The political shifts in the UK and ongoing diplomatic engagements highlight complex international relations. Starmer's tenure, marked by support for Ukraine and European defense, is acknowledged by European leaders. The potential rejoining of the EU by the UK, if it were to occur, faces significant procedural hurdles and a lengthy timeline according to EU officials. The meeting between Šuica and Sa'ar adds another layer to the EU's diplomatic landscape, particularly given the existing dispute with Kallas.