British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave a speech on Monday.Image: keystone
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wants to stay in office with all his might. In a highly anticipated crisis speech, the 63-year-old addressed his party and the entire United Kingdom.
May 11, 2026, 4:08 p.mMay 11, 2026, 4:08 p.m
Starmer took responsibility for his Labor Party’s election debacle last Thursday – and announced that he would now do everything better. Three key statements in detail:
“I know that I have my doubters, and I know that I have to prove them wrong – and I will.”
In recent months, Starmer has been pushed forward not only by the right-wing populists from Reform UK and the Conservatives, but also by his own ranks and voters. Many people who had helped the Labor man to his triumphant election victory in the summer of 2024 turned away. The Prime Minister is accused of making a number of bad decisions. He bears responsibility, says Starmer. “But I also have the responsibility to implement the change for which we were elected – and I will deliver it.”
“Of course, like every government, we made mistakes, but we were right when it came to the big political decisions.”
Starmer defends his course, among other things, with the decision not to take part in the American-Israeli attacks in the Iran war. He also points to what he believes are visible improvements in the ailing NHS health system and falling migration numbers. However, the Prime Minister also admits: “That is not enough.” For Brits who are tired of the status quo, change is not coming fast enough.
“…we are not only facing dangerous times, but also dangerous opponents – very dangerous opponents.”
What happens if Labor no longer forms the government? Starmer is building up the threatening backdrop of his political opponents. The Prime Minister warns in particular about right-wing populists. If his party doesn’t get it done, the country will go down a “very dark” path. Among other things, Starmer warns against a right-wing demonstration announced for this Saturday in the middle of London. “We can’t win by being a weaker version of Reform or the Greens,” he says. “We can only win by being a stronger version of Labor.” It’s about nothing less than “the soul of the nation,” says Starmer.
The background
Labor suffered massive losses in regional and general elections in England, Wales and Scotland last Thursday. The right-wing populist Reform UK party led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage was primarily able to benefit from this, winning more than 1,400 seats in regional bodies straight away. Although the British Parliament will not be re-elected until 2029 (as of now), the election result means an enormous domestic political weakening for the Prime Minister. (hkl/sda/dpa)