Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has delivered a robust defence of his government's international focus, arguing that turning inward will not solve the pressing cost-of-living crisis at home.
'On the Pitch' in a Volatile World
Addressing the first Parliamentary Labour Party meeting of 2026 on Monday 12 January, Sir Keir stated that the UK must be actively engaged on the world stage. He framed global involvement as a direct necessity for improving domestic conditions.
"One thing that is crystal clear is that we are moving into a world that is very different to the one most of us grew up in," the Prime Minister told MPs. "And in a world this volatile – you have to be on the pitch. You have to be in the room to tackle the issues working people care about."
His comments were widely seen as an effort to justify the significant time dedicated to foreign affairs in the early days of his premiership, emphasising their interconnectedness with national prosperity and security.
Linking Global Action to Domestic Prosperity
Sir Keir directly challenged the notion of isolationism, connecting international diplomacy to household finances and trade. "The cost-of-living crisis will not be solved by isolationism," he asserted.
He provided concrete examples: "You cannot deliver peace in Ukraine without being in the room. And you do not secure trade terms for companies like JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) by putting gesture politics first."
The Prime Minister's stance comes during a period of intense global diplomacy. He has recently travelled to Paris for a meeting of Ukraine's 'coalition of the willing' with leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky. Furthermore, the UK assisted a US operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker last week, and Sir Keir has been in dialogue with European allies and former US President Donald Trump.
Domestic Progress and Future Optimism
Alongside his international arguments, Sir Keir presented an optimistic review of the country's direction under his government. He listed several key improvements since taking office.
"Waiting lists are falling. Wages are rising faster than prices. Inflation is now under control and coming down – six interest rate cuts, a huge difference for families and businesses," he said.
He also highlighted falling crime rates, controlled immigration, and renewed investment in public services and national infrastructure as evidence that "we’re turning the page on austerity."
Acknowledging that the cost of living remains the "biggest issue" for working people, he insisted budget decisions are aligned with a plan to provide support. He concluded with a message of restored hope: "That decline can be reversed. Opportunity and pride can be restored... And politics can be a force for good."
A Number 10 source reinforced the message, stating Sir Keir was simply explaining why it is "vital" for the UK to engage globally as international crises inevitably impact citizens domestically.
