Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his frequent foreign trips to Labour MPs, arguing they are essential to tackling the cost of living crisis. Speaking to the parliamentary Labour party on Monday night, he warned that isolationism would not solve domestic economic problems.
Starmer told MPs that being 'in the room' for international trade and defence negotiations would ultimately boost the UK economy. 'The cost-of-living crisis will not be solved by isolationism,' he said, adding that securing trade terms for companies like Jaguar Land Rover required engagement abroad.
Despite concerns from some MPs and advisers that Starmer should focus more on domestic issues, the prime minister struck an upbeat tone. He pointed to improvements in the NHS, wages, crime, and infrastructure, saying 'Britain will see change and renewal this year.'
Polling suggests the public views Labour’s handling of the cost of living poorly, with YouGov putting the party on just 17%. However, Starmer has intensified efforts to win over disgruntled MPs by hosting events at Downing Street and Chequers.
