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Sir Keir Starmer

PoliticianLeft

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."
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"And if that means a fight with the big social media companies, then bring it on."
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"a true giant in journalism"
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"This is not an impossible challenge. These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it."
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"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."
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"It is time for calm."
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"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."
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"And if that means a fight with the big social media companies, then bring it on."
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"I was saddened to hear of the death of one of Britain's most celebrated artists."
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"the importance of ensuring that any agreement delivers a 'durable and lasting peace.'"
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"very productive"
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"new era of co-operation"
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"really pleased"
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"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."
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"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."
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"Keeping children off social media is the best way to keep them safe online."
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"What happened in the Channel was deeply concerning. It was reckless."
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"British armed forces are now able to board sanctioned vessels that are passing through our waters."
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"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."
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"I was saddened to hear of the death of 'one of Britain's most celebrated artists.'"
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"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of the driver of the Corby to St Pancras train."
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"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."
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"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."
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"Racism and intolerance have worsened in Britain."
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""Musk of using his platform to whip up division in the UK over the murder of student Henry Nowak last month.""
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"we will allow the United States to use British military bases to destroy Iranian missiles at source"
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"urged all British citizens in the region to register their presence so the government could provide 'the best possible support'."
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"The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there."
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"The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there."
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"We had to battle with the FA to get it back to where it was, which was counterintuitive."
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"We must step up to deliver a stronger, more European Nato."
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"This has been a good summit. We achieved what we wanted to achieve, which is unity."
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"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."
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"While opposition parties seek to undermine Britain on the world stage, my Labour government is focused on protecting British people at home and abroad."
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"At moments like this, the country needs seriousness, not political games."
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"At moments like this, the country needs seriousness, not political games."
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"The passion and energy they've shown representing the badge has made us all proud."
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"Tonight wasn't the result we all hoped for."
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"Today's decision secures the future of steelmaking in the UK, protects skilled jobs and safeguards a vital national capability."
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"The longer the war lasts, the more likely it is that there will be an effect on the UK economy."
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"Conversations aimed at working out a 'viable plan' were ongoing."
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"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."
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"If the companies have broken the law, there will be legal action."
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"Brexit had significantly hurt our economy."
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"You won't."
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"I think it does, and obviously we'll study that ruling very carefully, but I'm absolutely clear that we need to go further."
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"wages were going up 'for the lowest paid'"
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"I do have to level with people, this will not be easy."
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"increasingly clear that the U.K.’s long-term national interest requires closer partnership with our allies in Europe and with the European Union."
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"Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears."
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"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."
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"deeply concerning"
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I survived two years as prime minister in a hit new game - then my cabinet deserted me

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August 15, 2026

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August 14, 2026

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August 10, 2026

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August 3, 2026

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July 30, 2026

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July 26, 2026

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July 26, 2026

I 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, 2026

Most 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, 2026

AI minister role boosted but tech department axed in Burnham shake-up

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July 21, 2026

John Healey becomes chancellor weeks after shock resignation from defence job

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July 20, 2026

Burnham promises help with your money. How could it affect you?

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July 20, 2026

British 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, 2026

Prince 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, 2026

UK-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, 2026

Reeves 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, 2026

Starmer 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, 2026

Nato 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, 2026

Trump 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, 2026

One 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, 2026

PM 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, 2026

England 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, 2026

Burnham 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, 2026

Culture 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, 2026

Watch: 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, 2026

Racism and intolerance have worsened in Britain, Starmer says - Reuters

Racism and intolerance have worsened in Britain, Starmer says Reuters

July 1, 2026

Reeves 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, 2026

Train passed red signal before fatal crash - report

A preliminary report from the Independent Rail Accident Investigation Branch is published.

June 24, 2026

Burnham likely to replace Reeves if he becomes PM

Rachel Reeves would be offered a more junior cabinet role, the BBC understands.

June 24, 2026

Low-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, 2026

Plans 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, 2026

First 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, 2026

Toy 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, 2026

UK 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, 2026

German 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, 2026

Social 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, 2026

Under-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, 2026

When 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, 2026

UK and Japan agree £18bn investment deal

Japanese firms will spend billions on UK infrastructure and offshore wind, Downing Street says.

June 14, 2026

Iran says deal to end fighting with US has 'never been closer'

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June 12, 2026

King leads tributes to 'giant of the art world' David Hockney

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June 12, 2026

Sullivan banned from contact with West Ham women's and youth teams since 2023

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June 9, 2026

Northern Ireland police appeal for calm after 'barbaric' knife attack sparks anger - Reuters

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June 9, 2026

Apple 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, 2026

Starmer 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, 2026

M&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, 2026

Zelensky 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, 2026

Ex-Channel 4 News host Jon Snow reveals he has Alzheimer's

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June 5, 2026

Kanye West's right to enter UK under review after festival outcry

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April 6, 2026

Benefits 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, 2026

Pepsi 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, 2026

Doctors 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, 2026

UK'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, 2026

Minimum 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, 2026

King'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, 2026

Spain 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, 2026

How 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, 2026

Asia 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, 2026

Why UK governing Labour's Brexit focus has shifted from Leavers to Remainers

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March 20, 2026

Trump '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, 2026

Starmer announces £53m support to help with heating oil costs

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March 16, 2026

Wary allies show there's no quick fix to Trump's Iran crisis

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March 16, 2026

As hopes of regime change in Iran fade, Netanyahu faces political test

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March 13, 2026

UK economy saw zero growth in January ahead of Iran war

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March 13, 2026

Starmer and Trump speak for first time since president's Iran criticism

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March 8, 2026

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March 8, 2026

Trump 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, 2026

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March 6, 2026

Three 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, 2026

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Grounded flights, nights in airports, and no clear guidance. American travellers say they desperately want to get home, but can't.

March 4, 2026

Britain sends helicopters with counter-drone tech to Cyprus, deploys naval vessel - Reuters

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March 3, 2026

US 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, 2026

Iranian-made drone hits British air base in Cyprus, causing limited damage - Reuters

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March 2, 2026

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February 28, 2026

Government 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, 2026

Mandelson referred to EU anti-fraud agency over Epstein emails

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February 26, 2026

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February 25, 2026

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Events were held across Ukraine to mark four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

February 24, 2026

Australia backs removing Andrew from royal line of succession

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February 23, 2026

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February 23, 2026

UK 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>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

February 20, 2026

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February 20, 2026

UK 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>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

February 20, 2026

Starmer '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