Politics latest: Starmer in 'very unusual' position at 'all-important' first NATO summit (2024)

PM at NATO summit
  • The prime minister is in Washington DC for his first NATO summit, where he'll meet world leaders including Joe Biden and call for the alliance's members to spend more on defence
  • 'No change in UK support for Ukraine,' Starmer tells Zelenskyy
  • PM meets German chancellor|Has 'very clear' message for Putin
  • Mark Stone:Starmer in unusual position at all-important summit
  • Beth Rigby:PM accused of 'playing with fire' on defence spending
  • Deborah Haynes:PM's 'contradictory' pledge looks weak to allies and foes
  • Live reporting by Tim Baker

17:00:01

We're focusing on the NATO summit in Washington this evening.

Here's what you need to know:

  • Sir Keir Starmer has held his first meetings with world leaders at his first NATO summit as prime minister, including with Germany's Olaf Scholz and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy;
  • As well as the summit itself, Sir Keir will also be heading to the White House for talks with Joe Biden- where he and his wife Victoria will also join a special dinner tonight with other leaders and their partners;
  • The PM will also find time to watch the England match with his Dutch counterpart and meet the US House Speaker Mike Johnson.
  • But the PM is under pressure to set a timeline forwhen the UK will hit the defence spending target of 2.5% of GDPgiven he wants NATO allies to spend more too;
  • Our defence and security editor Deborah Haynes says the government being non-committal on a timescale will look weak to both its allies and foes;
  • Nonetheless, our US correspondent Mark Stone reckons Sir Keir will be a welcome presence at the summit, given it comes less than a week after his landslide election win at a time when other Western leaders are struggling.

Also still to come tonight is Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge from 7pm.

Sticking with the NATO theme, she'll be joined by former Conservative armed forces minister James Heappey,

16:53:08

Starmer wants to 'reset' relations with world leaders

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken to the press ahead of the NATO council meeting.

He had just come from a bilateral summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (see previous post).

He said the two leaders discussed the further support that Ukraine needs, and how NATO members can work to provide it.

Sir Keir said they also wanted to "reinforce a message to Putin - the resolve of NATO is bigger now than it's ever been".

The prime minster added that he'd had "very good bilateral meetings" with other leaders.

This has given him an opportunity to "make sure that those relationships are reset" and lead on issues like defence, climate change, and energy.

"So a really good opportunity," he said, "but now we go on and do the work in council."

16:44:00

'No change in UK support for Ukraine,' Starmer tells Zelenskyy

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit in Washington DC.

It's their first meeting since last month's D-Day anniversary event at Normandy - a photo of them made it into Labour's manifesto.

Today's bilateral took place with Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey also present.

Sir Keir told the Ukrainian leader while there had been a "change of government", there was "no change of approach" to the UK's support for the war against Russia.

Zelenskyy thanks UK for support 'from very beginning'

The prime minister said the Russian attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv this week was "just shocking".

Mr Zelenskyy thanked Sir Keir for his words and the UK's support "from the very beginning of the war".

16:30:01

'We will do it at pace': Defence secretary vows defence review will take less than a year

By Deborah Haynes, security and defence editor

A major review of UK defence will take place in "less than a year" and tackle some difficult decisions, the new defence secretary has said.

John Healey said a top priority will be reforming how the Ministry of Defence and its various branches function – something that will take time and "earns you no political bonus points".

Speaking on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Washington, he also signalled helping defend Europe from Russian aggression will be a higher priority than sending ships, jets, and soldiers on exercises to Asia.

A "tilt" to the Asia-Pacific had formed a central plank in the thinking behind the last government’s defence review.

'We will do it properly'

Mr Healey was asked by Sky News how long the "strategic defence review" – due to be formally launched next week – will take to conduct.

"We will do that in less than a year," he said.

"We will do it properly. We will do it at pace."

He said it would give an indication as to the "deep reform" required in defence, which wouldn't be a quick job.

On where to focus his military resources, the defence secretary said too often the UK "promised to do everything everywhere".

War in Europe, Russian aggression and NATO must be the priority, the Labour frontbencher said.

16:15:01

Mark Stone analysis: Starmer in very unusual position at all-important NATO summit

Sometimes in politics, timing is luck - and it's certainly on Keir Starmer's side today, says our US correspondent Mark Stone.

The prime minister is in Washington DC, where he'll be arriving for an "all-important NATO summit" with other world leaders.

Mark says "it's very unusual for a new British PM to be at the centre of the world stage so soon in his premiership".

This summit marks the 75th anniversary of NATO, at a time when the alliance comes under "significant pressure".

"The greatest pressure it's faced in its history, I would say."

Russia's war in Ukraine remains the priority, with the alliance having already reiterated its long-term support for Kyiv and announced fresh military aid - including new air defence systems from the US.

There's an "awful lot" for NATO leaders to discuss over the next two days and the new British PM will be right at the heart of it.

16:00:17

If you're just joining us in the Politics Hub, we'll be placing much of our focus upon the NATO summit in Washington this evening.

Sir Keir Starmer is there as part of his first foreign trip as prime minister.

We'll have live updates from the US capital, where he'll be meeting other world leaders like Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and analysis from our correspondents who are there.

Here are some of the key moments to come for the PM:

  • A meeting with outgoing NATO general secretary Jens Stoltenberg;
  • Taking part in the summit's official welcoming ceremony on what is the alliance's 75th anniversary;
  • Finding time to watch England take on the Netherlands at the Euros with Dutch PM Dick Schoof;
  • Meeting US House Speaker Mike Johnson;
  • Holding talks with Joe Biden in the Oval Office;
  • And enjoying a NATO leaders dinner at the White House, which his wife Victoria is also expected to attend.

15:55:01

Tory frontbencher condemns leaks from shadow cabinet

Kemi Badenoch - seen as a potential successor to Rishi Sunak as Tory leader - has criticised the leaking of yesterday's shadow cabinet meeting.

Within hours of the group getting together, Ms Badenoch's comments criticising the election campaign appeared in The Times.

Writing on social media today, Ms Badenoch said: "It's a shame our discussions in shadow cabinet were leaked yesterday.

"If there is no private space to discuss our party's challenges, we will never fully address what the electorate told us last week."

Tory culture 'needs to change'

The former business secretary said there was "too much nodding along" within the previous government, which she suggested had ignored outside views from the likes of Tory party activists and members.

"That culture needs to change," she said. "We need to be honest with one another in private, and united in the direction we take afterwards."

15:40:01

New MPs in Commons portrait - who can you spot?

As is tradition after a new election, all the new MPs elected have gathered for a picture in the House of Commons.

This year is an especially large cohort, with 335 - more than half the Commons - being newly elected.

Among the new entries are Reform leader Nigel Farage, and Liberal Democrat Steve Darling with his guide dog Jennie.

See if you can spot them below:

15:13:01

Labour sets out priorities on energy and climate - but how achievable are they?

The Labour government was elected with a hefty green mandate to build out clean energy and tackle climate change.

The endorsement/sanction is bolstered by the electoral success of the Green Party and Lib Dems - which both campaigned on green issues - and the failure of the Tories' strategy to talk down climate action.

This week the new Energy Secretary Ed Miliband committed to six priorities.

But as our climate reporter Victoria Seabrook explains, they are harder to achieve than they sound…

14:46:40

Ashworth calls on new Leicester South MP to explain 'dealings' with man charged with terror offences

ByJennifer Scott, political reporter

A former senior Labour MP has called on the man who took his seat to "provide a full account of all his dealings" with one of his vocal supporters who is now facing terrorism charges.

Leicestershire Police confirmed on Wednesday that Majid Novsarka - known as Majid Freeman - was facing allegations of encouragement of terrorism and supporting a proscribed organisation, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later this month.

Novsarka, who is from Leicester, was a staunch advocate for Shockat Adam,who won the seat of Leicester Southin last week's general election, ousting Labour's then shadow paymaster general Jonathan Ashworth from the constituency by 979 votes.

'Serious questions to answer'

Novsarka has posted numerous messages in support of the new MP, including saying "the best man won" after the vote.

Meanwhile, Mr Adam tweeted a video of Novsarka questioning Mr Ashworth on the campaign trail over his position on thewar in Gaza, writing: "Politics is all about answering difficult questions - if you can't stand the heat..."

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Ashworth said his successor had "serious questions to answer about his association with this individual".

Mr Ashworth added: "The safety of the people of Leicester must always come first.

"Decent minded people across Leicester will expect their new MP to publicly and without equivocation provide a full account of all his dealings with this individual in the campaign."

Sky News has contacted Mr Adam for a response.

Politics latest: Starmer in 'very unusual' position at 'all-important' first NATO summit (2024)

FAQs

Politics latest: Starmer in 'very unusual' position at 'all-important' first NATO summit? ›

Sir Keir Starmer is at his first NATO summit since becoming prime minister, with Ukraine top of the agenda. He will be meeting with plenty of world leaders for the first time too, including under-pressure US President Joe Biden.

What religion is Sir Keir Starmer? ›

The new Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has become the first female Muslim Cabinet minister. Sir Keir has said that he does not have a personal faith, and does not believe in God, but his wife is Jewish, and he has spoken of the importance to the family of observing the sabbath.

What did Keir Starmer get his knighthood for? ›

Sir Keir Starmer — a title he rarely uses himself — was awarded a knighthood in 2014 for his work as head of the CPS and director of Public Prosecutions; a tradition for those in this role. His services for “law and criminal justice” were cited as reasons for the honour.

What illness did Keir Starmer's mum have? ›

Keir Rodney Starmer was born on 2 September 1962 in Southwark, London. He grew up in the town of Oxted in Surrey. He was the second of the four children of Josephine (née Baker), a nurse, and Rodney Starmer, a toolmaker. His mother had Still's disease.

Has Victoria Starmer been married before? ›

What football team does Keir Starmer support? ›

Arsenal fan Sir Keir praised his team's winger Bukayo Saka who scored the equaliser against Switzerland in the quarter-final to take it to a penalty shootout, with England emerging victorious.

What nationality is the name Keir Starmer? ›

Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB KC MP (born 2 September 1962) is a British politician and lawyer who has served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since 5 July 2024, and has served as the leader of the Labour Party since 2020. He was the Leader of the Opposition from 2020 until 2024.

Is Keir Starmer's wife a lady? ›

Victoria, Lady Starmer (née Alexander; born 1973 or 1974) is the wife of Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labour Party. She previously worked as a solicitor and currently works for the National Health Service (NHS) as an occupational health worker.

Which leader renounced his knighthood? ›

Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This event was also one of the key factors motivating Gandhi to launch the Non-Cooperation Movement.

What does knighthood grant? ›

Enhanced Reputation: Receiving a Knighthood elevates the recipient's personal profile and enhances their reputation. The prestigious nature of the award underscores their dedication and expertise, leading to increased trust, respect, and acceptance of their ideas, work, and projects.

What does Keir Starmer's Labour stand for? ›

Getting Britain's future back, together

Our public services are on their knees, hard working people are not making ends meet, victims of crime are being let down, and that deep British belief, that the next generation will be better off, is at risk. Keir Starmer and the Labour Party offer the change our country needs.

What is Keir Starmer's constituency? ›

Holborn and St Pancras (UK Parliament constituency)
Holborn and St Pancras
Electorate75,475 (2023)
Current constituency
Created1983
Member of ParliamentKeir Starmer (Labour)
6 more rows

Who is Keir Starmer's chancellor? ›

Rachel Reeves is the new chancellor of the Exchequer - the first woman appointed to the role. She became Sir Keir Starmer's shadow chancellor after the party's defeat in the 2021 Hartlepool by-election, and Labour's win puts her in the key position in government.

Who was the leader of the Labour Party before Keir Starmer? ›

Leaders of the Labour Party (1906–present)
No.Leader (birth–death)Left office
17Ed Miliband (b. 1969)8 May 2015
Harriet Harman (b. 1950) (acting: 2nd time)12 September 2015
18Jeremy Corbyn (b. 1949)4 April 2020
19Sir Keir Starmer (b. 1962)Incumbent
50 more rows

Where did Tony Blair go to university? ›

Who is the next Prime Minister of England? ›

The Rt Hon Keir Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister on 5 July 2024. He was elected as the member for Holborn and St Pancras in May 2015. He was elected leader of the Labour Party in April 2020.

Who created knighthood? ›

HISTORY OF KNIGHTHOOD. The institution of knighthood stems from the holy orders that the Catholic Church established in the Middle Ages. The word order' (from the Latin ordo) then meant a closed circle, the members of which were bound by certain obligations and swore to observe a set of rules.

What does the Labour Party stand for? ›

The Labour Party is a social-democratic political party in the United Kingdom. It has been described as an alliance of social democrats, democratic socialists, and trade unionists. The Labour Party sits on the centre-left of the political spectrum.

Who is the labour leader in Scotland? ›

Scottish Labour
Scottish Labour Party Pàrtaidh Làbarach na h-Alba (Scottish Gaelic) Scots Labour Pairty (Scots)
Labour Party LeaderKeir Starmer
Scottish Labour LeaderAnas Sarwar
Scottish Labour Deputy LeaderJackie Baillie
General SecretaryJohn Paul McHugh
19 more rows

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