Starmer says UK prime minister must keep foreign‑policy focus after his departure

Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the BBC that his successor will have to devote as much time to international crises and diplomacy as he did, rejecting any notion that the next leader could concentrate mainly on domestic issues. He said, “There’s often this discussion – what’s the right balance between dealing with international affairs and dealing with domestic affairs? They’re one and the same thing.”

Starmer highlighted the government’s support for Ukraine, participation in multilateral coalitions and other diplomatic work as key achievements, and also pointed to domestic progress on the economy, child‑poverty reduction and NHS improvements. He noted that Andy Burnham, widely expected to replace him, has pledged to focus on living standards, housing, infrastructure and devolving more powers to regions, but warned that foreign‑policy demands will remain high.

The comments were made in a BBC interview on 4 July 2026 as Starmer prepares to leave office after two years.