Key facts
- Keir Starmer stated that a future prime minister cannot spend less time on international affairs.
- Starmer emphasized that global issues like the Ukraine situation and events in the Strait of Hormuz impact domestic household bills.
- He described his decision to resign after two years as prime minister as intensely personal.
- Andy Burnham has indicated he would maintain support for Ukraine and continue efforts for a closer EU relationship.
Keir Starmer has cautioned his likely successor, Andy Burnham, that a future prime minister cannot reduce their focus on international affairs. Starmer, speaking in a BBC interview, emphasized that grappling with global turmoil is intrinsically linked to domestic concerns, such as household bills. He dismissed the idea that international and domestic issues could be easily separated in the modern era.
Starmer also reflected on his decision to resign after two years as prime minister, calling it an "intensely personal" choice made during a family weekend at Chequers. He expressed belief that he had "saved" the Labour party and had been a successful prime minister, promising to remain silent under his successor.
Burnham, who has largely concentrated on domestic issues in his bid for leadership, previously indicated his foreign policy stance. In a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" session, he stated he would "100%" provide the same level of support to Ukraine as Starmer and suggested continuing efforts to foster a closer relationship with the EU.