‘We should not be at the mercy of events abroad’ – Starmer
Starmer Urges UK to Build Resilience Against Global Uncertainty
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the need for the UK to develop greater resilience amid a “volatile and dangerous” global landscape, where crises like the Iran conflict occur regularly. In a recent piece for The Guardian, he stressed the importance of “rebuilding the nation” to ensure citizens are not unduly influenced by international happenings. “We must think long-term and create a system where people are not at the mercy of events abroad,” he wrote.
Starmer’s call for stability comes during a three-day visit to the Gulf, where he is engaging with regional leaders. His itinerary includes meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, followed by discussions in the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. This trip follows growing tensions over a fragile ceasefire in the Iranian conflict, with disputes emerging regarding its scope in Lebanon. On Thursday, he spoke with US President Donald Trump via phone, focusing on restoring shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted by the ongoing crisis.
Resilience as a Key Priority
Starmer highlighted how the past two months have underscored the urgency of energy independence. “Families and businesses face fluctuating costs due to decisions made by Putin or Trump,” he stated during an interview with ITV’s Talking Politics. “This instability is not a one-time event—it’s a recurring pattern.” He noted that the UK has endured “nearly two decades of crises,” including the 2008 financial crash, Brexit, and the pandemic, and criticized how Westminster has often responded with short-term fixes rather than long-term strategies.
“This time, it will be different,” Starmer declared. “The Iran conflict must now become a line in the sand.”
He argued that policies such as renewable energy investment, worker protections, and removing the two-child benefit cap would prepare the country for heightened global instability. “Resilience is the foundation of control,” he said. “Without it, we’re constantly swayed by forces beyond our borders.”
Political Reactions to Starmer’s Vision
Conservative Chairman Kevin Hollinrake challenged Starmer’s approach, questioning the logic behind banning North Sea drilling and avoiding welfare reforms. “How can you build a resilient economy by ignoring British oil and gas workers and ceding energy reliance to foreign nations?” he asked.
Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Calum Miller MP acknowledged the need for resilience but pointed out a gap in Starmer’s strategy. “He’s right to push for greater autonomy, but he hasn’t named the most pressing strategic threat,” Miller noted, adding that the US under Trump is no longer a reliable partner and that European alliances should be prioritized.
A Reform UK spokesperson echoed Starmer’s message, urging the government to “use our own energy, control our borders, and prioritize the British people.” Meanwhile, Green Party leader Zack Polanski praised Starmer for recognizing long-standing concerns about reliance on the US for security. “He’s finally aligning with the Greens’ warnings,” Polanski said. “But his words lack a concrete plan—energy prices are rising, inequality is growing, and this government continues to make incremental changes.”
Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, reinforced Starmer’s argument in a Mansion House speech, stating that “economic shocks” from global events are now routine. “The Iran crisis isn’t just a single incident—it’s part of a broader trend of instability,” she said. “Turbulence has become the new normal, and we must adapt to it.”