Starmer gives advice to his successor on managing foreign affairs (archive photo)
Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the amount of time he devoted to international affairs during his term, saying his successor would have no choice but to give equal attention to global diplomacy alongside domestic priorities.In an interview with the BBC on Friday, Starmer dismissed suggestions that the next British prime minister could focus mainly on domestic issues after he announced last month that he would step down after two years in office.Emphasizing the close relationship between foreign policy and domestic policy, Starmer said that the challenges facing Britain mean that the two policies cannot be dealt with separately.“There is often this discussion: What is the right balance between dealing with international affairs and dealing with domestic affairs? They are the same thing,” he said.Asked whether the future prime minister could spend less time on diplomacy than he did, Starmer replied: “No, I don’t think that is possible.”Starmer has faced criticism from political opponents who say he has devoted too much attention to international issues. Andy Burnham, who is widely expected to succeed him, has indicated that his leadership will focus more on domestic concerns, including improving living standards, expanding housing, modernizing infrastructure, and devolving more powers to Britain’s regions.
In a video titled “With Keir” shared on Channel X on Saturday, Starmer defended his government’s international engagement, saying it had helped restore Britain’s place on the world stage.He highlighted the UK’s support for Ukraine and its role in international alliances as among the distinguished achievements of his premiership.“The fact that other countries are now looking to us for that leadership is something I’m really proud to have achieved in the two years we’ve been in government,” he said.Alongside his foreign policy record, Starmer said his government had stabilized the economy, reduced child poverty and strengthened the National Health Service during his two years in power.