Starmer has been a ‘breath of fresh air’ for Ireland
The Irish Government is likely to be sorry to see Starmer go if he is forced out in the coming days, writes Political Editor Pat Leahy.
Relations between Dublin and the British governments led by Theresa May, Liz Truss and Boris Johnson were extremely difficult due to Brexit, though they recovered somewhat under Rishi Sunak during his relatively short period in charge.
Under Starmer, however, there has been a revival of the previously close – and personally warm – relations between Government Buildings and Downing Street.
Former senior diplomat Bobby McDonagh, who served as Ireland’s ambassador in London, said Starmer had been “a breath of fresh air”.
His understanding of Northern Ireland and his desire to establish a closer relationship with the EU has facilitated much closer co-operation with Dublin. The Irish Government was happy to support Starmer and help with relations with Brussels. The British prime minister struck up good personal relationships, first with Simon Harris and latterly with Micheál Martin.
The Coalition will watch events in Westminster closely as they unfold. Dealing with new governments and new people, though, is a constant in diplomacy.
“You deal with the government of the day and you do outreach to other people,” says McDonagh.
Sources acknowledged, though, that it’s hard to establish relationships with the government of the day when it keeps changing. If Starmer goes, the UK will be planning for its fifth prime minister since Brexit was officially enacted in 2020.
Health minister quits, adding Starmer’s position is ‘wholly untenable’
Health minister Zubir Ahmed – an ally of West Streeting – has resigned from Starmer’s government, citing a “lack of values-driven leadership”.
In his letter resigning as minister, the MP for Glasgow South West opened by writing: “Dear Prime Minister, it is with a heavy heart that I write to you to resign from your Government as health innovation and safety minister.”
Further down, he added: “But as I raise my gaze above the daily work of ministerial life, it is clear to see that whatever the magnitude of individual achievements and progress, they are now being dwarfed and undermined by a lack of values-driven leadership at the centre.
“It is clear from recent days, that the public across the UK has now irretrievably lost confidence in you as Prime Minister.”
Ahmed went on to describe Starmer’s continuation in office as “wholly untenable”. – Associated Press
Revolving door at Downing Street a ‘problem’ for White House
The US ambassador to London, Warren Stephens, has said the “frequent turnover” of UK prime ministers creates a “problem” for Washington DC in building personal ties.
Asked if the instability of leadership made it more difficult for the US to deal with the UK, Stephens told LBC Radio: “I don’t really think so. I think the policies don’t really change that much so long as the party in power is still in power.
“But certainly the ability to have personal relationships matters, and to the extent that there’s frequent turnover – that’s a problem.”
He declined to say whether Donald Trump would be saddened if Keir Starmer stood down, adding: “I’d be sad to see him go. I get along with him fine.
“We don’t always agree, obviously, but I like him and I think he’s a very, very good and decent man.”
Stephens also said the special UK-US relationship “goes on regardless of who our political leaders are”. – Press Association
