Podcast Summary
NATO summit, Starmer's diplomacy: Prime Minister Keir Starmer's first international trip is to NATO summit, where he'll meet leaders, face pressure to increase defense spending, and begin a new era in British politics and foreign policy.
Keir Starmer's first official international trip as Prime Minister is to the NATO summit in Washington, where he will meet with world leaders, including Joe Biden and Olaf Scholz. Starmer's diplomacy comes as he faces pressure to increase Britain's defense spending from 2% to 2.5% of GDP. Despite repeated questioning, Starmer has remained evasive on the issue, stating that he will only commit to the increase after a strategic defense review. The Conservative Party leadership contest continues in the UK, with speculation about who will become the next leader. Starmer's diplomacy at the NATO summit is a significant event, as it marks the beginning of a new era in British politics and foreign policy. The summit's importance is heightened by the ongoing war in Europe and the specter of former President Trump. Starmer's handling of the defense spending issue is a test of his leadership skills and his ability to navigate complex diplomatic situations.
Britain's uncertain defense spending commitment: Keir Starmer's vagueness on increasing defense spending to meet NATO target and shifting priorities might not convince other allies, as his government lacks clear plans or trade-offs.
During Keir Starmer's flight to the NATO summit in Washington D.C., it was discussed that Britain's commitment to increasing defense spending to meet the NATO target of 2.5% has been uncertain due to the lack of a clear plan from the new Prime Minister. Starmer's vagueness on the issue might not be persuasive to other NATO allies when he meets them. Additionally, Starmer's priorities have seemed to shift between defense and growth, and the public has yet to see significant trade-offs or concrete plans from his government. Starmer did express his commitment to the defense of the nation, but without clear actions, it remains to be seen how this commitment will translate into increased defense spending. During the plane ride, Starmer was asked about watching the football during the summit but mentioned that leaders' phones are taken during meetings, so he might not be able to get updates on the score. The conversation between Starmer and journalists on the plane was the first to be broadcast, and the first round of the plane journey's soccer match took place.
Starmer's diplomatic challenges: Starmer faced diplomatic challenges on his first day as PM, meeting NATO leaders and dealing with a lame-duck US President, while also handling domestic issues and building relationships with EU leaders
Keir Starmer's first day as Prime Minister was filled with diplomatic challenges as he met with various NATO leaders, including a potentially awkward encounter with a possibly lame-duck US President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, domestic issues also arose, such as Starmer's affirmation of allegiance to the King without taking a religious oath and Speaker Lindsay Hoyle's re-election for the five-year term. Starmer's diplomacy came at a time when the relationships between leaders were uncertain, making it harder for him to build strong connections. Additionally, Starmer began conversations about a security pact with EU leaders and elevated Nick Thomas-Symonds to a significant role outside of the Foreign Office. Overall, Starmer's first day as Prime Minister was filled with both ceremonial and political significance, as well as uncertainty and challenges in his diplomatic endeavors.
Starmer's Rising Stars: Starmer is quickly appointing his new Labour MPs to government positions, creating a powerful tribe and potentially causing tension with older MPs
That the new intake of Labour MPs, who are seen as Starmer's rising stars, are being quickly appointed to government positions, indicating the creation of a powerful Starmer tribe within the party. Notable names include Kirsten McNeal, Georgia Gold, and Miata Fambula. This rapid appointment process may cause tension among older MPs who have been in the party longer. Additionally, Jonathan Ashworth, who lost his Leicester seat, has taken over a starmerite think tank called Labour Together, but it's unclear what role this new outfit will play in the government. Another point of interest is the Tony Blair Institute's conference, where former Chief Whip under Tony Blair, Hillary Armstrong, expressed her desire for the government to address the cost of living crisis and invest in public services.
Digital ID and ID cards in the UK: Labor Cabinet members Peter Kyle and Keir Starmer are considering the return of ID cards in the UK, with Google engaging with new Labor MPs and Rishi Sunak addressing the 1922 committee. Criticism of Boris Johnson's leadership is escalating, and the Tory leadership contest could be prolonged.
The discussion around digital ID and the potential return of ID cards in the UK political landscape is gaining momentum, despite previous rejections. Enthusiasm for this idea is reportedly widespread among the Labor Cabinet, with Peter Kyle and Keir Starmer considering it closely. Google has already started engaging with new Labor MPs, and Rishi Sunak is addressing the 1922 committee of backbenches today, which could lead to stormy meetings. Kemi Badenock's criticism of Boris Johnson during the Shadow Cabinet meeting has set the tone for the upcoming Tory leadership contest, with more posturing and criticism expected. Steve Baker responded to Kemi Badenock's comments, referencing the five stages of grief in relation to the Tory leadership. A new poll of Tory members also indicates that the leadership contest could be a long one.
Conservative Party Leadership Race: Kemi Badenoch leads the Conservative Party leadership race with 31% of the votes, while Suela Braverman is considered 'busted flush' and many support Robert Genrich instead. The party is divided on merging with the Brexit Party and concluding the leadership contest, causing ongoing uncertainty and infighting.
Kemi Badenoch is currently leading the race for the Conservative Party leadership with 31% of the votes in the first survey of Tory members. Suela Braverman, who was previously seen as a strong contender, is now considered to be "busted flush" by many, with even her closest ally, John Hayes, reportedly supporting Robert Genrich instead. The party is deeply divided on whether to merge with Nigel Farage's Brexit Party, and there is ongoing debate about when the leadership contest should be concluded. The uncertainty and infighting within the party may continue to escalate, making it a challenging time for the Conservatives.