Sir Keir Starmer is set to address the nation on Monday amid growing calls for his resignation as Prime Minister. In a pivotal speech at 10am, Starmer will vow to "face up to the big challenges" following a devastating set of local and devolved election results.
Starmer's Pledge for Bold Action
The Prime Minister will say that "incremental change won't cut it" in meeting the country's challenges. He will state: "To meet the challenges that our country faces incremental change won't cut it. On growth, defence, Europe, energy – we need a bigger response than we anticipated in 2024 because these are not ordinary times."
Starmer will also emphasize that "strength through fairness" will be the core argument, "writ large in the King's speech" on Wednesday, along with "hope, urgency and exactly whose side we are on."
Commitment to Europe and Rebuilding Relations
The Labour leader will say: "This Labour government will be defined by rebuilding our relationship and by putting Britain at the heart of Europe. So that we are stronger on the economy, on trade, on defence, you name it." He will add: "Because standing shoulder to shoulder with the countries that most share our interests, our values and our enemies – that is the right choice for Britain, that is the Labour choice."
Internal Party Turmoil
Speaking on Sky News, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle expressed loyalty to the PM amid rumours of a potential leadership challenge. There is speculation that Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are preparing to run against Starmer.
Kyle acknowledged the party's struggle: "Well, what's going on is it's actually quite an understandable and also relatable issue. We got hammered last week at every election... We've just had the rug pulled from underneath us." He noted that many dedicated councillors lost their seats, creating a "moment of convulsion" that tests the party.
However, Kyle stressed that "leadership of a country is not just one person, it is about the governing party. We need to see leadership in that context."
