Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vigorously defended his decision to attend the G20 summit in South Africa, despite facing growing criticism over his extensive foreign travel record and the notable absence of several world leaders including Donald Trump.
The 'Never Here Keir' Controversy
The Johannesburg summit marks Starmer's 42nd international trip in less than 17 months as Prime Minister, earning him the nickname 'never here Keir' from critics who question his commitment to domestic affairs. The timing has raised particular concerns among Labour backbenchers, with the South Africa visit occurring just days before a critical Budget announcement.
One Labour MP expressed frustration to Politico, questioning whether Starmer would "rather be foreign secretary than PM." The lawmaker added that while the G20 "feels like the sort of thing he should be at," there's growing disquiet about his apparent lack of grip on domestic agenda and party management.
Trump's Absence and International Diplomacy
Donald Trump is notably boycotting the Johannesburg gathering and has refused to send any US officials, citing his concerns about South Africa's treatment of white farmers. The US President has made controversial claims that Afrikaners are being "killed and slaughtered" and their farms "illegally confiscated" - allegations that South Africa's government has firmly rejected as "widely discredited and unsupported by reliable evidence."
Other prominent leaders skipping the summit include China's Xi Jinping, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and Argentina's Javier Milei, making Starmer's attendance even more conspicuous.
Starmer's Defence and Economic Justification
When questioned about Trump's absence, Starmer told accompanying reporters: "In terms of attendance, obviously President Trump set out his position. I think it's really important to be there and to talk to other partners and allies."
The Prime Minister emphasised the economic benefits of his international engagements, stating: "In the last three years the jobs that have been generated in the UK from countries in the G20 is 200,000 and that focus in the Budget will be very much the economy and the cost of living."
Downing Street revealed that Starmer will use the trip to announce £400 million worth of deals covering trains, planes and submarines, arguing that face-to-face diplomacy directly benefits British interests.
Starmer's travel schedule has been particularly busy recently, with an emissions-heavy flight to the COP30 climate summit in Brazil earlier this month marking his 40th foreign trip since taking office in July last year. He then travelled to Berlin for discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron just days before departing for South Africa.
Despite the criticism, some Labour MPs have defended the Prime Minister's decision. One told Politico: "I think when Trump is boycotting the G20 it's important for others to take it seriously," highlighting the diplomatic significance of Britain's continued engagement with global partners.
