London, United Kingdom – (Web Desk) Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said his successor will not be able to spend less time on international affairs, stressing that global diplomacy and domestic priorities are closely interconnected in today’s increasingly volatile world.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Starmer rejected suggestions that Britain’s next prime minister could shift greater focus toward domestic issues at the expense of foreign policy. He argued that international developments directly influence the UK’s economy, security, and public welfare.
There’s often this discussion about the balance between international affairs and domestic affairs. They’re one and the same thing, Starmer said, adding that he does not believe it is possible for any future prime minister to devote less time to diplomacy.
Starmer, who announced last month that he will step down after two years in office, has faced criticism from political opponents over the amount of attention he dedicated to international issues during his premiership.
His expected successor, Andy Burnham, has pledged to prioritise domestic challenges, including improving living standards, housing, infrastructure, and devolving greater powers to Britain’s regions.
In a video shared on X, Starmer defended his foreign policy record, saying his government had restored Britain’s standing on the global stage. He highlighted continued support for Ukraine, participation in international coalitions, economic stabilisation, efforts to reduce child poverty, and improvements to the National Health Service (NHS) among his administration’s key achievements.
