UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says successors must match his diplomatic focus

Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave his first interview after announcing his resignation on 22 June, telling the BBC that international and domestic issues are “one and the same”. He said any successor must spend the same amount of time on foreign affairs, replying, “No, I don’t think that’s possible” when asked if a future premier could devote less time to diplomacy. Starmer defended his record, citing support for Ukraine, participation in international coalitions, stabilising the economy, cutting child poverty and improving the NHS.

Labour MP Andy Burnham, expected to take office in mid‑July, has pledged to prioritise domestic concerns such as living standards, housing, infrastructure and greater devolution to the UK regions, but Starmer stressed that foreign policy cannot be set aside.