Displaying items by tag: Keir Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer has backed Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a 'democratically elected leader', after Donald Trump described him as a dictator. Starmer reassured Zelensky that suspending elections during wartime, as the UK did in World War Two, was 'perfectly reasonable’. He is set to meet Trump in Washington next week, aiming to secure a US backstop to deter further Russian aggression. He has said he is prepared to deploy British troops to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement, with Western officials suggesting under 30,000 troops could be sent to provide reassurance. Meanwhile, Trump's comments have sparked criticism from Sweden’s prime minister, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, and former US vice president Mike Pence, among others. Some Western officials are discussing using drones and intelligence aircraft to monitor Ukraine rather than deploying large numbers of troops.

Keir Starmer has announced plans to build a dozen new towns across England, inspired by traditional architectural styles championed by King Charles. With 100 areas applying for developments of over 10,000 homes, he aims to fast-track construction before the end of this parliament, focusing on quality design and community-led development. The Government is targeting 1.5 million new homes, addressing planning delays and environmental regulations which have stalled 700,000 housing projects. Starmer emphasised avoiding a reliance on foreign labour, insisting that developers train British workers to meet construction demands. Visiting Nansledan in Cornwall, a King Charles-backed development, Starmer praised its blended housing approach, where affordable homes are indistinguishable from others. The initiative seeks to expand homeownership opportunities, particularly for young people who have been priced out of the market.

Keir Starmer has faced criticism in parliament over the UK’s agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, amid reports that the cost of the deal had risen from £9bn to £18bn. Both the Government and Mauritius denied the £18bn figure but have not provided an alternative amount. Under the agreement, the UK would retain a lease on Diego Garcia (home to a UK-US military airbase) for 99 years. However, the deal was paused for review after Donald Trump’s re-election, as some US Republicans fear it could benefit China. Mauritius’ new prime minister, Navin Ramgoolam, has criticised the deal negotiated by his predecessor, citing concerns over inflation-proof payments. Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer of 'shovelling money to Mauritius’ while cutting winter fuel payments for pensioners. Labour argues that growing international legal pressure has made the UK’s control of the islands unsustainable, while critics argue no binding international ruling has been made. The future of the military base remains a key point of debate.

Keir Starmer has made a surprise visit to Kyiv to sign a 100-year partnership with Ukraine, affirming Britain’s steadfast support amid ongoing conflict with Russia. He met Volodymyr Zelensky, laid a wreath for fallen soldiers, and visited a burns hospital. The partnership includes bolstering military collaboration on maritime security in the Baltic, Black, and Azov seas. It also reflects growing European concerns about Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency, with fears that his administration may pressure Ukraine into an unjust settlement with Russia. Ukraine depends heavily on US military aid, but Trump has expressed reluctance to continue funding the war. Starmer aims to position Ukraine for strength in negotiations, aligning with Zelensky’s willingness to discuss temporary territorial concessions for peace.

Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, has joined over two dozen faith leaders urging Keir Starmer to back the Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill. The bill, set for a parliamentary vote on 24 January, seeks stronger environmental protections and accelerated carbon reduction targets. Over 200 MPs have already expressed support. In an open letter organised by the campaign group Zero Hour, the faith leaders appealed to the government to act responsibly, citing the 'golden rule' shared by all faiths: treat others as you wish to be treated. They emphasised Britain’s responsibility to address the global impacts of its actions. The letter described the CAN Bill as essential for improving lives in the UK and globally. It called on the Government to demonstrate leadership by integrating climate and nature action into its policies and setting an example for the world. The letter, delivered to Downing Street, urged seizing this moment as an opportunity for meaningful change.

Sir Keir Starmer marked 2024 as a 'year of change' in his first New Year message as prime minister. He acknowledged the challenges encountered since his election victory in July, in managing the economy and shaping the country's future, but remained optimistic about progress. Outlining his 'Plan for Change’, he emphasised initiatives such as raising the minimum wage, reducing NHS waiting lists, securing clean energy projects, and building 1.5 million new homes. He vowed to fight for a 'rebuilding' year and a brighter future, focusing on security and prosperity for all citizens. Despite criticisms, Starmer pledged his government’s dedication to restoring national confidence and achieving tangible results. Other party leaders echoed themes of change in their New Year messages: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch highlighted her party’s renewal efforts, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey called for bolder reforms, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage lamented perceived national decline.

Sir Keir Starmer has sparked outrage among the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) group after Labour rejected compensating women born in the 1950s for changes to their state pension age. Starmer and Rachel Reeves argued that '90% of those impacted knew about the changes,' despite previously calling the situation an 'injustice' while in opposition. Angela Madden, chair of Waspi, criticised these statements, calling them misleading and an insult to millions of women who were unprepared for the increase in the pension age from 60 to 65. The Ombudsman had recommended compensation of up to £2,950 per woman, citing maladministration in government communication. However, Labour claims the financial burden, estimated at £10.5 billion, is unaffordable. The Waspi women vow to continue their campaign, calling for justice and accountability for all those affected.

The murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif has ignited calls for stronger safeguards for children, particularly those being home-schooled. Sara’s father and stepmother, convicted of her murder, had subjected her to two years of horrific abuse, prompting scrutiny of existing child protection measures. The government plans to introduce a Children's Wellbeing Bill, proposing safeguards like mandatory local authority consent for home-schooling children under protection plans, a child identifier system, and multi-agency safeguarding teams. Surrey County Council, which had been alerted to Sara’s welfare concerns before her death, is launching an independent review of its actions. Critics argue that current laws allowing at-risk children to be removed from school are inadequate. Keir Starmer emphasised the need for answers and better safeguards to prevent such tragedies. Proposals also include establishing a register for home-educated children and improving data-sharing between services to identify risks more effectively.

Keir Starmer has announced a bold 'Plan for Change’, prioritising increased neighbourhood safety, improved NHS services, education reforms, and economic growth. Central to this vision is the pledge to recruit 13,000 additional police officers, police community support officers, and special constables across England and Wales. Starmer emphasised the importance of visible, community-based policing to restore trust and reduce fear. The plan also addresses NHS waiting lists, aiming to improve access to healthcare. Education reforms focus on early childhood development, ensuring children start school prepared to learn. Additionally, Starmer highlighted a commitment to clean energy, aiming to make Britain a green energy superpower by 2030. Addressing broader issues, Starmer pledged improvements in living standards, housing development, and stricter immigration controls. He criticised past governments for 'sticking plaster' politics, vowing lasting change through strategic, measurable goals.

Keir Starmer's arrival at COP29, with a bold promise to cut the UK’s carbon emissions by 81% by 2035, stands out as a beacon of hope amid an otherwise bleak start to the climate talks. Despite the absence of many key leaders, including Joe Biden, Starmer's commitment aims to demonstrate the UK's determination to transition away from fossil fuels and lead the way toward a net-zero economy. However, achieving this ambitious goal will require significant effort and expense, particularly in overhauling energy systems and enhancing energy efficiency at home.While the 81% emissions target is aligned with the Climate Change Act, which was supported across parties, the scale of the challenge presents a political risk. The focus at COP29 is primarily on financial mechanisms for supporting poorer nations in their climate transitions, but the UK, like many other wealthy nations, is hesitant to increase financial contributions. See also World article, ‘COP29: more finance needed’.