We should not be at the mercy of events abroad

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged the UK to build greater resilience in a world marked by frequent global disruptions, emphasizing the need for long-term strategies to insulate the nation from external pressures. In a

column for The Guardian

, he stated that the country must be “reformed” to avoid being “swayed by international developments.” His remarks came amid a critical phase in the ongoing Iran conflict, which has strained a fragile ceasefire and raised concerns over Lebanon’s involvement.

Gulf Visit and Strategic Priorities

Starmer is currently in the Gulf, engaging with regional allies to address pressing economic and security challenges. His three-day trip included meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, followed by visits to the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. The prime minister highlighted the importance of securing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route currently affected by the conflict, during a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Thursday evening.

Energy Prices and Policy Shifts

Starmer criticized the volatility of energy costs, linking them to geopolitical actions by leaders like Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. “Families and businesses are caught in the crossfire of global uncertainties,” he argued, citing the recent impact of rising petrol and food prices on the UK’s cost of living. He called for “energy independence” as a response to the past two months of instability, stressing that the nation should no longer be “at the mercy of events beyond its control.”

Historical Context and Future Vision

Reflecting on nearly two decades of crises, Starmer pointed to the 2008 financial crash, Brexit, and the pandemic as examples of challenges that have repeatedly tested the UK. “Westminster has often reacted with temporary fixes, only to push the status quo forward,” he noted. The prime minister vowed that this approach would change, framing the Iran conflict as a “line in the sand” for future preparedness.

Political Reactions and Criticisms

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reinforced Starmer’s stance during a Mansion House speech, warning that instability has become a “new normal.” She noted that the Iran crisis follows previous shocks like the Ukraine invasion and the pandemic, stressing that “turbulence is no longer occasional but persistent.”

Conservative Chairman Kevin Hollinrake questioned Starmer’s commitment to resilience, pointing to policies such as banning North Sea drilling and delaying welfare reforms. “How can you create a stable economy by neglecting domestic energy sources and leaving millions reliant on benefits?” he asked.

Calum Miller of the Liberal Democrats agreed with the need for resilience but argued that Starmer has not yet identified the “greatest strategic challenge.” “The government must prioritize European alliances over US reliance,” he stated, highlighting growing distrust in Trump’s leadership.

Reform UK’s spokesperson echoed Starmer’s call for self-reliance, urging the nation to “control its borders, harness its energy, and put people first.” Meanwhile, Green Party leader Zack Polanski praised Starmer’s acknowledgment of US dependency but criticized the lack of concrete action, noting that “energy bills are still rising, inequality persists, and reforms remain superficial.”

Starmer’s vision centers on policies like renewable energy investment, worker protections, and removing the two-child benefit cap as tools to strengthen national stability. “Resilience is the foundation of control,” he asserted, insisting that without it, the UK risks being “constantly upended by external forces.”