‘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 develop greater resilience against a global environment marked by unpredictability and risk, highlighting the need to shield the nation from the fallout of international crises. In an article for The Guardian, he emphasized the importance of restructuring the country to ensure citizens are not vulnerable to external disruptions. His remarks come as he travels through the Gulf region, engaging with key allies to address ongoing challenges.

During a recent conversation with US President Donald Trump, Starmer discussed the urgency of restoring shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage that has been nearly blocked by the Iran conflict. The closure of this route has contributed to rising living expenses in the UK, with petrol and food prices climbing significantly. Starmer criticized the way energy costs fluctuate due to decisions by global leaders, including Putin and Trump, calling it a source of frustration for households and businesses.

Gulf Trip and Current Tensions

Starmer’s visit to the Gulf includes meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, as well as stops in the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. The trip coincides with growing concerns over the fragile ceasefire between Iran and its regional rivals, with debates over whether the agreement applies to Lebanon. This instability underscores his argument that the UK must prepare for a future where global crises are the norm.

Starmer highlighted how the past two months have exposed the country’s reliance on external factors, reinforcing his call for energy independence. He stated,

“I’m fed up with families across the country seeing their energy bills rise and fall based on the actions of Putin or Trump.”

The prime minister also outlined his vision for a more stable future, referencing a series of crises over nearly two decades, such as the 2008 financial crash, Brexit, and the pandemic. He criticized Westminster’s tendency to address immediate challenges without long-term planning.

Political Reactions and Criticisms

Conservative Chairman Kevin Hollinrake responded to Starmer’s comments, questioning his approach to energy security.

“Keir Starmer says he wants resilience and energy security. So why is he banning North Sea drilling and avoiding welfare reform?”

Hollinrake argued that the prime minister’s policies risk increasing dependence on foreign energy sources and failing to support domestic workers.

Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Calum Miller MP supported Starmer’s stance but noted the need for clearer priorities.

“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.”

Miller emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with European allies, especially after losing trust in a Trump-led America.

Reform UK’s spokesperson echoed Starmer’s call 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.”

Meanwhile, Green Party leader Zack Polanski praised Starmer’s recognition of the need to reduce fossil fuel reliance but questioned the lack of concrete plans.

“Starmer’s words are not a plan… energy bills are soaring, the gap between rich and poor grows, and this government tinkers at the edges.”

Resilience as a Priority

Starmer pledged that this time, the UK would be better prepared for global turbulence. He proposed policies such as investing in renewable energy, enhancing workers’ rights, and removing the two-child benefit cap as steps toward building resilience. “Resilience is what gives us control,” he argued. “Without it, we are constantly pushed off course by events beyond our borders.”

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reinforced these ideas during a Mansion House speech in central London.

“It might be tempting, even comforting, to think the Iran crisis is a once-in-a-generation shock. But this is the third time in six years that international events have sent economic waves across the globe, impacting Britain.”

Cooper stressed that volatility is now a permanent condition, with the Iran conflict merely one of many challenges.