Former Europe minister Denis MacShane has suggested Sir Keir Starmer could be more effective as foreign secretary than as prime minister, citing his strong international diplomacy. MacShane noted Starmer’s alignment with European leaders against Donald Trump’s policies on Iran, Canada, and Greenland, as well as his firm stance on Ukraine. He argued that Starmer’s good relations with European social democrats and his role in the Party of European Socialists contrast with the neglect under previous Tory governments.
MacShane pointed to historical examples of former prime ministers thriving as foreign secretaries, such as Sir Alec Douglas Home and William Hague. He claimed Starmer in that role would strengthen a revived Labour government, especially against the foreign affairs spokespersons of Reform UK, the Greens, and isolationist Tories.
Bernie Evans proposed a merger of Labour and the Greens to create “Green Labour,” arguing that both parties poll under 20% while Reform UK nears 30%. He said a split vote among environmentally conscious, progressive voters could hand victory to Nigel Farage, and that a merged party could deliver necessary reforms and block Reform.
Keith Flett warned that Labour MPs like Wes Streeting, who won Ilford North by just 528 votes in 2024, may lose their seats if current trends continue. He cited Streeting’s potential leadership challenge against Starmer and the impact of Labour’s position on Gaza.
Alec Hamilton compared Starmer’s defiance to Joe Biden’s stubbornness, which he said helped Donald Trump win. He urged Starmer to step aside to prevent a Farage victory. Douglas Currie likened Starmer’s situation to a Monty Python knight losing limbs but refusing to give up.
