UK PM Keir Starmer says successor Burnham must keep foreign‑policy focus

Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on 22 June after two years in office, citing intense personal deliberations with his family at Chequers. In his first sit‑down interview since stepping down, Starmer told the BBC that the next prime minister cannot reduce attention to international affairs, stating, “No, I don’t think it is possible.” He highlighted that domestic issues such as household bills, energy costs and the cost of living are directly linked to global crises, naming the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz as examples. Starmer defended his own record, citing support for Ukraine, participation in international coalitions, economic stabilisation, reductions in child poverty and improvements to the NHS, and said he holds “no personal animosity” toward his likely successor, Andy Burnham. Burnham, the former Manchester mayor, is expected to prioritize domestic reforms—including housing, living‑standard measures and regional devolution—while still having to engage in the same foreign‑policy challenges outlined by Starmer.

Starmer also pledged to support the incoming Labour government behind the scenes, offering advice only if asked, and affirmed that Labour is positioned to win the next general election under Burnham’s leadership.