Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said it has been a “huge privilege” to represent the UK on the international stage as he marked his final foreign summit as prime minister. He spoke at the Nato summit in Turkey, his last such trip before stepping aside within weeks after resigning under pressure from the Labour Party. His successor is expected to be former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
UK's Reputation 'Materially Better'
Sir Keir said the UK’s reputation abroad is in a “materially better place now” than when he started as prime minister two years ago. He rejected suggestions that his final foreign trip being to the same gathering as his first—the Nato summit, previously in Washington after Labour’s general election win in July 2024—was bittersweet. “No. I think it’s really important for me to emphasise what a privilege it is to be the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the country that I love, and to be able to represent our country both at home and on the international stage is a huge privilege,” he said.
Foreign Policy Achievements and Challenges
Though his international travel drew some criticism, Sir Keir has been praised for foreign policy efforts, including seeking closer ties to the European Union. Negotiations for a second EU summit, postponed after his resignation, are still underway. He initially built a positive relationship with President Donald Trump, which deteriorated significantly over the UK’s lack of support for the US war in Iran. Together with France, he set up the coalition of the willing on support for Ukraine and planning for a mission to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz after the Iran war ends.
Leaving the UK in a Better State
Sir Keir said he was leaving the UK in a better state than when he started, pointing to work on child poverty, defence and security. “And then on the international stage, where our reputation is in a materially better place now than it was two years ago. The answer to the question, do I leave the country in a better state than I found it? The answer to that question is yes. My job now is to make sure that my successor can build on that, and that’s what I’m doing,” he said.
Transition and Legacy
Asked if he wished his party had given him more time to improve Labour’s standing, particularly in light of issues Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces over his financial backing, he touted his record leading the party to a landslide general election victory in 2024. “The question the parliamentary party now is asking is, who’s the best person to lead us into the next election? They’ve answered that question. I accept that answer in good grace. And what I’m now doing is making sure that there’s an orderly transition, and that whatever comes next goes from strength to strength and succeeds. And I want that to happen, because I want a Labour government to succeed. I want my country to succeed,” he said.
