Starmer: Britain Cannot Ease Up on Foreign Policy

Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejected the notion that his successor might focus less on foreign policy and more on domestic issues. Foreign and domestic policy, he said, are inextricably linked as Britain faces an increasingly unstable world.

In an interview with the BBC, he noted that he had announced his departure from the helm of the government after two years in office. Asked whether the next prime minister might devote less time to diplomacy, he said this would not be the case.

Starmer has faced criticism from some political opponents over the extent of his foreign policy engagement. MP Andy Burnham, who is expected to replace him, has promised a greater focus on living standards, housing, infrastructure and strengthening the powers of Britain's regions.

On Saturday, Starmer posted a video titled "With Keir" on the social media platform X, in which he defended his government's foreign policy direction. He said that, in his view, the United Kingdom had restored its standing in the world, citing support for Ukraine and participation in international coalitions as key achievements.

He also cited the stabilization of the economy, the reduction of child poverty and improvements to the National Health Service as significant achievements of his administration.

(Reuters, bak)