UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he intends to remain Labour leader and lead the party into the next general election, while acknowledging the need to rebuild support following recent political setbacks.
Speaking to the BBC, Starmer said he remained committed to the mandate Labour won in 2024, stating: “I’m not going to walk away from the commitment that I made in 2024 to serve my country and the mandate that I won from the British public.”
His remarks come amid growing pressure on his leadership following recent election results and the resignation of former Defence Secretary John Healey, who stepped down over disagreements about future defence spending.
Starmer said defence and security remain his highest priorities, adding: “It’s the number one priority for me as Prime Minister.” He also highlighted the UK’s role in supporting Ukraine, working with international partners and leading security efforts in the Strait of Hormuz.
Asked whether he would lead Labour into the next general election, Starmer replied: “That’s what I want to do.” However, he acknowledged the challenges facing his government, saying: “We had a very bad set of elections” and adding that he must “turn things around” in the period ahead.
Addressing criticism from former senior military commanders and concerns raised by former Defence Secretary John Healey, Starmer defended the government’s defence strategy and spending plans. He rejected claims that the UK’s standing within NATO had weakened, arguing that Britain remains a leading ally through its role in supporting Ukraine and co-leading international security initiatives in the Strait of Hormuz.
While acknowledging that future spending commitments would require further decisions in upcoming spending reviews, Starmer maintained that defence remains his government’s “number one priority.”
ℹ️ BBC
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