Sir Keir Starmer
Leader of the Labour Party and Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras.
Notable Quotes
"We will make tech work for everyone, not just the privileged few."View Story →
"And if that means a fight with the big social media companies, then bring it on."View Story →
"a true giant in journalism"View Story →
"This is not an impossible challenge. These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it."View Story →
"For too long, people have been told that is simply the price of modern tech, that nothing can be done, that government is powerless, that parents just have to accept it. I reject that completely, because tech should adapt to the needs of society, not the other way around."View Story →
"It is time for calm."View Story →
"This is not an impossible challenge – these are some of the most innovative companies in the world. But if they choose not to, then we will act and change the law."View Story →
"And if that means a fight with the big social media companies, then bring it on."View Story →
"I was saddened to hear of the death of one of Britain's most celebrated artists."View Story →
"the importance of ensuring that any agreement delivers a 'durable and lasting peace.'"View Story →
"very productive"View Story →
"new era of co-operation"View Story →
"really pleased"View Story →
"yes there will be a ban, yes it will follow Australia's model and yes, there will be additional curbs which will impact older children."View Story →
"I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen."View Story →
"Keeping children off social media is the best way to keep them safe online."View Story →
"What happened in the Channel was deeply concerning. It was reckless."View Story →
"British armed forces are now able to board sanctioned vessels that are passing through our waters."View Story →
"We're turning the page. Our reforms will bring this outdated process into the modern age, saving people time and money, and giving them the certainty they deserve."View Story →
"I was saddened to hear of the death of 'one of Britain's most celebrated artists.'"View Story →
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of the driver of the Corby to St Pancras train."View Story →
"Energy bills are at the front of everybody's mind, and I know they've been too high for too long. I promised to bring bills down and I meant it."View Story →
"would later apologise to Epstein's victims over the appointment, saying Lord Mandelson had lied about the extent of their affiliation during the vetting process."View Story →
"Racism and intolerance have worsened in Britain."View Story →
""Musk of using his platform to whip up division in the UK over the murder of student Henry Nowak last month.""View Story →
"we will allow the United States to use British military bases to destroy Iranian missiles at source"View Story →
"urged all British citizens in the region to register their presence so the government could provide 'the best possible support'."View Story →
"The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there."View Story →
"The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there."View Story →
"We had to battle with the FA to get it back to where it was, which was counterintuitive."View Story →
"We must step up to deliver a stronger, more European Nato."View Story →
"This has been a good summit. We achieved what we wanted to achieve, which is unity."View Story →
"Whether you're growing a business or travelling for work, this agreement is about making life easier and creating more opportunity for people across the UK."View Story →
"While opposition parties seek to undermine Britain on the world stage, my Labour government is focused on protecting British people at home and abroad."View Story →
"At moments like this, the country needs seriousness, not political games."View Story →
"At moments like this, the country needs seriousness, not political games."View Story →
"The passion and energy they've shown representing the badge has made us all proud."View Story →
"Tonight wasn't the result we all hoped for."View Story →
"Today's decision secures the future of steelmaking in the UK, protects skilled jobs and safeguards a vital national capability."View Story →
"The longer the war lasts, the more likely it is that there will be an effect on the UK economy."View Story →
"Conversations aimed at working out a 'viable plan' were ongoing."View Story →
"So we're working with all of our allies, including our European partners, to bring together a viable, collective plan that can restore the freedom of navigation in the region as quickly as possible and ease economic impact."View Story →
"If the companies have broken the law, there will be legal action."View Story →
"Brexit had significantly hurt our economy."View Story →
"You won't."View Story →
"I think it does, and obviously we'll study that ruling very carefully, but I'm absolutely clear that we need to go further."View Story →
"wages were going up 'for the lowest paid'"View Story →
"I do have to level with people, this will not be easy."View Story →
"increasingly clear that the U.K.’s long-term national interest requires closer partnership with our allies in Europe and with the European Union."View Story →
"Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears."View Story →
"I will never lose sight of how restless people are for change, and I am proud that today we are lifting nearly half a million children out of poverty, boosting support for pensioners, and delivering the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation."View Story →
"deeply concerning"View Story →
Related Stories
I survived two years as prime minister in a hit new game - then my cabinet deserted me
Mobile game No 10: Full Confidence recently ranked above Minecraft on the UK App Store paid games chart
August 15, 2026France's top court blocks social media ban for under-15s
The Constitutional Council says it infringes upon freedom of expression - but President Macron vows to prepare a new draft.
August 14, 2026Burnham brings forward ban on 'subscription traps' to ease cost of living
The prime minister is embarking on a UK tour with a series of announcements aimed at easing living costs.
August 10, 2026Almost £200,000 of fuel stolen from UK forecourts every day since Iran war began
Incidents of fuel being taken without payment have risen by a fifth in five months, according to industry analysis.
August 3, 2026Burnham says nuclear sub investment will protect UK and boost jobs
Speaking ahead of a visit to Barrow-in-Furness, the PM seeks to stress the economic benefits of defence spending.
July 30, 2026PM pledges continued support for Ukraine ahead of Zelensky visit
The Ukrainian president will be Andy Burnham's first international visitor since taking office.
July 26, 2026Badenoch says PM must rule out tax rises to fund social care reform
In a letter to the PM, the Conservative leader offers to work with him on adult social care reform.
July 26, 2026I travel four hours on a bus per day - the bus fare cap will save me £500 a year
The BBC speaks to people around the country about their view on the newly-announced bus fare cap.
July 22, 2026Most bus fares in England to be capped at £2 from January
The government says the policy will "help with the cost of living and give people the breathing space they need"
July 22, 2026AI minister role boosted but tech department axed in Burnham shake-up
Kanishka Narayan will attend cabinet - but no longer have the leadership of a technology secretary.
July 21, 2026John Healey becomes chancellor weeks after shock resignation from defence job
The former defence secretary is seen as a safe pair of hands - and is now in charge of the government's finances.
July 20, 2026Burnham promises help with your money. How could it affect you?
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he wants life to be more affordable, but how could he do it?
July 20, 2026British Steel taken into public ownership to protect 'vital' UK supply
The Scunthorpe steelworks has been officially nationalised under new government powers passed this week.
July 16, 2026Prince William tells England to 'hold heads high'
The Prince of Wales says England has "inspired us all" as he offers his commiserations over the loss to Argentina.
July 16, 2026UK-Switzerland deal to scrap roaming charges and allow Britons to use e-gates
The UK signs a new services deal with Switzerland it says will increase exports by £5.2bn annually "in the long run".
July 13, 2026Reeves tells BBC: Burnham needs worked-through plan to govern from the start
The Chancellor tells Laura Kuenssberg she will be handing over a stable economy to the incoming PM.
July 11, 2026Starmer gifted gun and ammunition by Turkish president at Nato
The weapon has not been brought back to the UK and has instead been left with British officials in Turkey.
July 8, 2026Nato allies announce £37bn for new missile project
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will convene around a dozen leaders to discuss the programme in Ankara.
July 8, 2026Trump looms large as Nato grapples with challenge of rearming Europe
The US president's inflammatory words have punctuated the image of unity at this crucial gathering, Security Correspondent Frank Gardner writes.
July 7, 2026One million more UK homeowners set to face higher mortgages
Homeowners face paying £45 a month more on average when they move onto a new deal over the next two years.
July 7, 2026PM intervened in row over Mexico-England kick-off time
Fifa had been set to bring the match forward by six hours, due to a forecast of thunderstorms.
July 6, 2026England v Mexico set to move to earlier kick-off time
England's World Cup last-16 tie with Mexico could be moved to earlier on Sunday because of the threat of storms.
July 3, 2026Burnham says there is some room for movement on tax
But the likely next PM says he will stick to Labour's pledges to not raise VAT, income tax or national insurance.
July 3, 2026Culture secretary quits X in protest at 'misinformation'
Lisa Nandy says her department is also leaving Elon Musk's platform, which she claims "isn't healthy for our democracy".
July 2, 2026Watch: PM's former top aide on Starmer's first call with Trump
Trump was more 'funny' than he had been expecting, Morgan McSweeney told the BBC.
July 2, 2026Racism and intolerance have worsened in Britain, Starmer says - Reuters
Racism and intolerance have worsened in Britain, Starmer says Reuters
July 1, 2026Reeves backs Burnham to become next prime minister
The chancellor throws her support behind the MP for Makerfield despite reports he could demote her if he becomes PM.
June 25, 2026Train passed red signal before fatal crash - report
A preliminary report from the Independent Rail Accident Investigation Branch is published.
June 24, 2026Burnham likely to replace Reeves if he becomes PM
Rachel Reeves would be offered a more junior cabinet role, the BBC understands.
June 24, 2026Low-key funeral held for giant of the art world David Hockney
The artist, who passed away at his home in London earlier this month, requested just his partner and great-nephew attend.
June 21, 2026Plans to end gazumping with binding agreements in house sales shake-up
Sales agreements will be legally binding sooner and making sellers provide more home information up front are part of the planned changes.
June 19, 2026First Russian shadow fleet vessel enters Channel since Smyrtos boarding
Forwarder, a Russian-flagged ship which left port in Primorsk last week, entered the Channel on Wednesday evening.
June 18, 2026Toy Story 5 splits critics, but most praise its 'cautionary' message about tech
The fifth instalment of the animated franchise sees Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack return.
June 17, 2026UK investigating reports Russian warship fired warning shots near yacht in English Channel
BBC News understands the yacht had drifted towards the Admiral Grigorovich, a Russian frigate which has been operating in the Channel.
June 16, 2026German broadcaster removes TV intro after Elon Musk takes legal action
ZDF TV responded to a "cease and desist" letter after the tech trillionaire condemned the broadcaster's "outrageous lies".
June 16, 2026Social media ban - bold and blunt, but no silver bullet
The BBC's technology editor Zoe Kleinman on the big changes coming down the line for young people online.
June 15, 2026Under-16s will be banned from social media from early 2027
Sites including Instagram, YouTube and TikTok will become inaccessible for millions of children, the prime minister has announced.
June 15, 2026When will social media ban start, and which apps will be affected?
The measures will see apps including TikTok and Snapchat banned for UK teens early in 2027.
June 15, 2026UK and Japan agree £18bn investment deal
Japanese firms will spend billions on UK infrastructure and offshore wind, Downing Street says.
June 14, 2026Iran says deal to end fighting with US has 'never been closer'
Both Iran and Pakistan say a deal has never been closer - echoing US President Donald Trump's statement on Thursday.
June 12, 2026King leads tributes to 'giant of the art world' David Hockney
The artist, who has died at the age of 88, "was one of life's true originals", King Charles says.
June 12, 2026Sullivan banned from contact with West Ham women's and youth teams since 2023
The decision followed a safeguarding investigation opened by the the Football Association.
June 9, 2026Northern Ireland police appeal for calm after 'barbaric' knife attack sparks anger - Reuters
Northern Ireland police appeal for calm after 'barbaric' knife attack sparks anger Reuters
June 9, 2026Apple unveils Siri AI makeover as Tim Cook bids farewell
The technology giant also revealed a series of new child safety features amid widespread scrutiny over "nudification" apps.
June 8, 2026Starmer tells Apple and Google to ban nude images on children's phones
Firms will be expected to activate built-in features to stop children accessing sexually explicit images.
June 8, 2026M&S launches new traineeship for 1,000 young people
The scheme aims to tackle the "growing challenge" of young people not in employment, education, or training.
June 7, 2026Zelensky criticises 'vile' Chornobyl drone strike ahead of London talks
Ukrainian officials say a Russian drone hit a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel near the Chornobyl nuclear plant.
June 7, 2026Ex-Channel 4 News host Jon Snow reveals he has Alzheimer's
Snow, the lead presenter of C4 News for 32 years, will be seen navigating his diagnosis in a new film.
June 5, 2026Kanye West's right to enter UK under review after festival outcry
The rapper's appearance in London in July has caused controversy because of his past antisemitic comments.
April 6, 2026Benefits and pensions rise as two-child cap ends
Families on some benefits with three or more children will get an average rise of £4,100 a year.
April 5, 2026Pepsi withdraws as UK festival sponsor after Kanye West backlash
Sir Keir Starmer says it is "deeply concerning" the rapper is set to headline a festival after recent antisemitic comments.
April 5, 2026Doctors lose new jobs package as strike to go ahead
The offer of 1,000 more training posts has been withdrawn after the union refused to scrap the planned six-day strike.
April 1, 2026UK's Starmer, asked about Trump's NATO comments, says he will act in Britain's interest - Reuters
UK's Starmer, asked about Trump's NATO comments, says he will act in Britain's interest Reuters
April 1, 2026Minimum wage rises to £12.71 an hour as firms warn of impact
Many businesses have said they will have to pass higher wage costs onto customers.
April 1, 2026King's state visit to US to go ahead in April, but no Harry meeting
Despite political tensions between the US and UK, the King will travel to Washington next month.
March 31, 2026Spain closes airspace to US aircraft involved in Iran war
It follows a decision by the Spanish government to deny the US use of the two jointly run military bases in Andalusia.
March 30, 2026How will the UK respond to US court verdict on social media?
Will the decision of a Los Angeles jury have an impact on the UK government as it considers potential future regulations on social media, writes the BBC's political editor.
March 26, 2026Asia stocks slide as US and Iran threaten to escalate war
The International Energy Agency chief said the war could lead to the world's worst energy crisis in decades.
March 23, 2026Why UK governing Labour's Brexit focus has shifted from Leavers to Remainers
Will the pursuit of a closer relationship with the EU risk courting electoral disaster by alienating Brexit-backing voters?
March 20, 2026Trump 'not happy' with UK response to Iran conflict
It comes after Sir Keir Starmer said the UK was working with allies on a plan to protect the Strait of Hormuz.
March 16, 2026Starmer announces £53m support to help with heating oil costs
The money will be for "vulnerable" households who have faced a sharp rise in energy bills since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran.
March 16, 2026Wary allies show there's no quick fix to Trump's Iran crisis
European leaders are hesitant to help Trump secure the Strait of Hormuz, but they know inaction on the Iran war is not really an option.
March 16, 2026As hopes of regime change in Iran fade, Netanyahu faces political test
Israeli leaders are framing the bombing campaign as having transformed the Middle East in their favour as pressure to end the conflict builds.
March 13, 2026UK economy saw zero growth in January ahead of Iran war
Analysts had been expecting 0.2% growth for the UK economy at the beginning of the year.
March 13, 2026Starmer and Trump speak for first time since president's Iran criticism
The phone call comes after a week in which Donald Trump repeatedly expressed frustration at Keir Starmer's stance on Iran.
March 8, 2026UK does not 'agree with Trump on every issue' - Cooper
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has hit back at President Trump's criticism of the UK response to the conflict in Iran.
March 8, 2026Trump accuses Starmer of seeking to 'join wars after we've already won'
The remarks come after a public back-and-forth between Trump and Sir Keir Starmer over UK involvement in the US's joint offensive with Israel against Iran.
March 8, 2026Emirates resumes some Dubai flights – what's the latest on travel to UK?
New flights to the UK from the Middle East follow days of widespread air travel disruption which had left Britons stranded.
March 6, 2026Three men arrested in UK on suspicion of spying for China
The Met Police suspect three men of assisting Chinese intelligence services in the UK.
March 4, 2026US citizens in the Middle East face 'mayhem' trying to get home
Grounded flights, nights in airports, and no clear guidance. American travellers say they desperately want to get home, but can't.
March 4, 2026Britain sends helicopters with counter-drone tech to Cyprus, deploys naval vessel - Reuters
Britain sends helicopters with counter-drone tech to Cyprus, deploys naval vessel Reuters
March 3, 2026US nationals urged to leave Middle East as conflict spreads
The US State Department says Americans should "depart now via commercial means" as strikes continue.
March 3, 2026Iranian-made drone hits British air base in Cyprus, causing limited damage - Reuters
Iranian-made drone hits British air base in Cyprus, causing limited damage Reuters
March 2, 2026How the world has reacted to US and Israeli strikes on Iran
World leaders have been giving their responses to the attacks on several Iranian cities and Tehran's retaliation.
February 28, 2026Government to give go-ahead for £1bn defence helicopter deal
The chancellor has stepped in to protect jobs at the helicopter manufacturer in Somerset, the BBC understands.
February 27, 2026Mandelson referred to EU anti-fraud agency over Epstein emails
The European Commission says it is assessing whether the peer breached its code of conduct while its trade envoy.
February 26, 2026Energy bills to fall in April after charges shake-up
Changes announced in the Budget mean domestic energy prices should fall sharply in April.
February 25, 2026Ukraine remembers its dead as war enters a fifth year
Events were held across Ukraine to mark four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
February 24, 2026Australia backs removing Andrew from royal line of succession
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains eighth in line to the throne despite being stripped of his titles.
February 23, 2026Streeting says he takes Leeds maternity care inquiry concerns 'extremely seriously'
The health secretary will meet bereaved families on Monday, as delay into maternity care probe drags on.
February 23, 2026UK to consider removing Andrew from royal succession line, official says - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirAFBVV95cUxNZy1WNC1LZkRMV2xRRWs3NFdKLUxMQTRER2taREQyNEZtNlZwYWxlX2c3U2lBS29SdzBZZ19UVDVILTVhOTE4Mk5CY2tNUWFGTVVpTmFpaTdYWEhCVTlGOVlGdlBBbWZtSFkyb0FVS0dFQ1Z3OFFtbmxydncwQ25DVGJ1eFFIVnN3YUNEcHBmTGJGMmxIT2xUd2lOU3hnRlRvY2F3TGQ0aFpwSTEz?oc=5" target="_blank">UK to consider removing Andrew from royal succession line, official says</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
February 20, 2026UK expects continued favourable trade with U.S. after Supreme Court ruling - Reuters
UK expects continued favourable trade with U.S. after Supreme Court ruling Reuters
February 20, 2026UK foreign minister to meet Rubio amid tensions over joint air base - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirgFBVV95cUxNOThuSjRocW9na0pMejdlZC1hZ19qbUY1RG54eVhuUVNOc3o2X3ZTNVNBSi1CYnJ5LUhpNm43SWUxVVRPa1VpQ2RCb3duQ3VkUXBvZVJDR1puQ1FXbEhWZ1Uxa3ZBTWlQVElvQktUTE1NeVoxMzA0NnRDMU5nQmJRdVJjYm9KWWpSZXpQeVpvVnZURFVzWEhiYmxPT0cwTmV3Q2JSUDh3WlM2NUFSSnc?oc=5" target="_blank">UK foreign minister to meet Rubio amid tensions over joint air base</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
February 20, 2026Starmer 'appeasing' big tech firms, says online safety campaigner
Baroness Kidron tells the BBC the PM has being "late to the party" in regulating social media.
February 20, 2026