British PM launches nationwide tour to reset relations with devolved governments
SMA NEWS – LONDON
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is embarking on a tour across the United Kingdom on Sunday, aiming to initiate an “immediate reset” with governments in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
Starmer, who emphasized his mandate for political change following his party’s significant victory, will first meet with Scottish First Minister John Swinney in Edinburgh to foster cooperation amidst past disagreements.
“Our government’s approach is undergoing an immediate reset in collaboration with the first and deputy first ministers,” Starmer affirmed.
“Respectful cooperation will be pivotal in driving transformative progress across our entire United Kingdom.”
Despite Labour’s sweeping success over the Scottish National Party in parliamentary seats, the SNP, advocating for Scottish independence, maintains a majority in Holyrood, Scotland’s parliament.
This outreach effort across the U.K. forms part of Starmer’s broader strategy to address a multitude of challenges while enhancing service delivery to citizens.
Starmer intends to decentralize power from London’s bureaucratic corridors to empower regional leaders who possess a better understanding of their communities’ needs.
Following his regional tour, Starmer plans to engage with mayors in England, emphasizing his commitment to collaborate across party lines.
“There are no exclusive rights to good ideas,” he asserted. “I reject tribal politics.”
Starmer continues to engage with global leaders, recently holding separate discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The talks focused on achieving a Gaza Strip ceasefire, the safe return of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid.
During his conversation with Abbas, Starmer affirmed the Palestinians’ undeniable right to statehood as part of a peace initiative. With Netanyahu, he stressed the necessity of creating sustainable conditions for a two-state solution, including providing adequate financial support to Abbas’ Palestinian Authority.
On Tuesday, Starmer will travel to Washington for a NATO summit.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Lammy is visiting Poland and Sweden after his inaugural trip to Germany on Saturday, aimed at strengthening ties with European partners.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock highlighted on X, a social media platform, that the U.K. remains an indispensable part of Europe, and efforts are ongoing to enhance cooperation with the British government.
Lammy reiterated Starmer’s commitment not to seek reentry into the EU single market following the 2016 Brexit referendum, emphasizing a desire to move beyond the contentious Brexit era.
“Let’s leave the Brexit years behind us,” Lammy urged in an interview with The Observer. “While we won’t rejoin the single market or customs union, there are numerous areas where collaboration can flourish.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, speaking on Sky News on Sunday, suggested exploring avenues to enhance trade with the EU by removing certain trade barriers. However, he clarified that the Labour government remains opposed to reinstating free movement of people, a requirement of EU membership.
